Abstract

‘And the New Jerusalem has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the Glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.’ Rev 21:23-24

‘Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.’
Psalm 119:105

‘The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it’.
John 1:5

Working with these bible quotes, the design for the window is inspired by bringing light, representing the Word, acting as a guide to lead us out of the darkness. To that end, the design spreads across the three lancet windows, in two sweeping arcs to the left and right focussing our eye on the cross in the centre light or panel.
I have chosen to use pure coloured glass towards the edges of the work. In a range of tones of blue, the glass is transparent therefore light will be transmitted through it. Concentrated light is introduced through the use of glass prisms. These are evenly spaced to make a rhythmic pathway, arcing upwards, leading the eye to the central cross and the lightest part of the design. The prisms are made of hot cast glass and will ‘hold’ the light. On occasion they will refract the light to produce a rainbow of colour on the surrounding area. The panels are cut through with clear ‘reamy’ (hand textured) glass in contrast with the blue, directing the viewer’s eye heavenwards. (Please see glass samples supplied).
The centre of the middle panel is made in opal and clear ‘reamy’ glass and the central cross is also made from hot cast glass. The intensity of light this will bring will illuminate the area of the church around the window.
As previously stated, the window is a composition in blues and clear. The colour blue is synonymous with the Virgin Mary after which the church is dedicated. The design echoes the rhythmic pattern of arrayed line work in window at the west end of the church. The moon and stars in the tracery are references made in the quote from Revelations given at the beginning of this text, ‘making way’ for the Light of the Glory of God.