Commissions take you to unusual places.
Posted on August 28, 2015 by admin
'I never thought I'd strap Jesus to the back of a flatbed lorry'
Commissions take you on wonderful journeys and to unusual places.
St. Alban’s Catholic Church in Pontypool had envisaged a stylised replica of the painted St. Franciscan / San Damiano Cross, created for the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy, to adorn their parish’s new school build.
‘The mosaic, constructed by local artist Stephanie Roberts, is in the form of the Franciscan Cross, and not only respects the history of the Catholic community in Pontypool but also incorporates contemporary approaches in the use of stained glass and lead work. It symbolises how the gospel preached by the Franciscan Friars in the past is not something just for the past but which also needs to be preached today and in the future’. Mr. Welch, Head teacher.
Materials were carefully selected to reflect and help transcribe the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Glass tessera reflected the Italian origins of the cross, stain glass payed homage to illuminance, while mother of pearl and power shell amplified the precious nature of the cloth worn by Christ. Iridescent blue tiles and 22 karat gold tessera celebrate the status and a richness of the church.
The school, designed by Petersen Williams Architects, incorporates numerous construction innovations including some of the latest environmentally friendly technology. In collaboration with commissioned artist Chris Wood, WAW, close consultations with the architect team allowed the mosaic installation to meeting with site regulations and the buildings design structure.
This artwork was conceived and constructed in association with Llantarnam Grange Art Centre and was funded by the Catholic Church.
A sister project allowed the children of Padre Pio to handle the tiles and create a smaller mosaic for their entrance way.
Process
A sister project allowed the children of Padre Pio to handle the tiles and create a smaller mosaic for their entrance way.