St.Thomas More Parish in Edmonton, Alberta
commissioned our liturgical artist, Rob Macdonnell, to design a
crucifix for the sanctuary of the recently constructed church.
The brief was challenging: Design a work of sacred art which, by its
beauty and transparency, can bear the weight of mystery. It should
enhance the worship of the community and invite devotional and
contemplative prayer. It must complement the architecture and help to
unify the liturgical space.
The proposed design surprised but pleased the parish committee. The
crucifix is contemporary but reminiscent of ancient Christian art. The
approach is stylistic rather than realistic. There is ambiguity
whether the crucified body is alive or dead. The face is serene, its
open eyes gazing out over the assembly. The arms open wide as if to
welcome or gather.
The cross is composed of laminated wood and covered with oxidized
bronze plate. Panels of painted plywood are held within the frame of
the cross; their colourful pattern recalls mediaeval stained glass.
The 7-foot Christ figure is sculpted of basswood and finished in 23K
gold leaf. The scale is impressive. Set on top of a 13-foot wall, the
14-foot cross rises up free into open space.
Fabrication and assembly of the crucifix presented many technical
challenges, all of which were admirably met by Ingrid Silver and
Adrian Karaguesian of Atelier Plantagenet in nearby Ontario.
Throughout the construction process of many months Rob Macdonnell
collaborated with the builders on each detail of the project.
Click here to see the construction process.
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