Windows

The art glass environment at St. Augustine's in-the-Woods is based on the canticle, "A Song of Creation." The composition spills throughout the Nave, calling up suggestions of God's gift of creation to us all; suggestions of basic elements of Creation, water, wind, fire, and such, interact with form and structure as the environment evolves. Large arcs bridge gaps between windows. Suggestive of the rainbow, a symbol of God's promise to us, they help to unify the environment much as that promise unifies us as Christians. Occasionally doves burst forth, suggesting the presence of the Spirit.
 

	Click an image to see a larger view.

The majority of the glass used was hand-blown, with colors and textures formulated specifically for St. Augustine's.  Within many of the panels are hand engraved and cast crystal medallions depicting elements within the Canticle.  Beginning at the rear of the Nave, they are:  1) Angel; 2) Sun, Moon, Stars; 3) Seasons; 4) Plants and Earth's Bounty; 5) Eagle and Whale/Wildlife; 6) Birds, Beasts, Man, Woman; 7) Holy Spirit and People of God.  The medallion in the Narthex represents St. Augustine's in-the-Woods.

The Narthex window is suggestive of a water environment; a waterfall or stream, with strong symbols of growth and Spirit.  It continues upward through the choir window, creating a bright and joyous statement for those leaving worship.  It also makes a strong statement to the outside.

The art glass is conceived to be viewed in its entirety; as a continuous environment merging with the architecture, enhancing the space within, and enveloping the viewer.  The goal is to provide a calming, healing, meditative environment; one conducive to worship and personal growth.

I have a very specific symbolic language which I used when developing these designs, but I am hesitant to dictate too much in the way of interpretation.  My hope is that those few thoughts, and the art glass itself, will serve as a visual point of departure for each viewer's personal journey as they find their own meaning.

A Song of Creation
Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
Song of the Three Young men, 35-65

Invocation
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.
In the high vault of heaven, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

I    The Cosmic Order
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord,*
    O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew,*
    all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and summer, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold,*
    drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, O nights and days,*
    O shining light and enfolding dark
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

II    The Earth and its Creatures
Let the earth glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills, and all that grows upon the earth,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams,*
    O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild,*
    and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

III    The People of God
Let the people of God glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.

Doxology
Let us glorify the Lord:  Father, Son ,and Holy Spirit,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.
In the high vault of heaven, glorify the Lord,*
    sing praise and give honor forever.