Look for Energy Lines in the Sanctuary and in the Vision
I was commissioned to design a pair of angel banners for a Christmas concert at First Baptist Church of Geneva, IL. The design challenges: fill the dark walls on each side of the arch with glorious Christmas color, and point focus to the central cross. The solution I chose: use many diagonals – the diagonal edge of the banner matches the ceiling slope, the angel wings have numerous curves arcing toward the center, the angels lean toward the cross, the top of the wings tilt toward the crossbar, the angel robes cascade in counterpoint to the wings’ thrust. These banners are 9' wide by 15' tall.
But how did I get there?
When starting an art commission, look – and I mean really look – at the lines and angles in the sanctuary. Most buildings use post and lintel architecture, resulting in rectangular walls, floors, ceilings. Sometimes there are triangular and circular shapes. Compared to the vertical or horizontal line, the diagonal line and the arc are the most visually interesting.
Sit in the sanctuary in silence, looking at wall spaces where banners might be installed, at angles, and curves, and where the sunlight and electrical lights illuminate. Photograph every aspect of the sanctuary Chapter 5. Feel the space. Gaze at and study the photos at home.
I ask the Lord, “What do You want to say to this congregational at this time in their history of walking with You?” I do not proceed until I hear from Him. Once He gives me the visual concept, I work with the energy I sense from concept (this is spiritual sensing) to find the lines of keenest essence (this is compositional work). These essential lines in the design work together with the rectangles, diagonals, and arcs in the sanctuary architecture.
As a result of this creative process, an artwork is not a separate item installed in a space, but an integral dynamic visual, emerging from and integrated into the space. Worshippers sense this merging and emerging of dynamics, though they might not be able to articulate it. At some level, whether distractedly or purposefully, worshippers are aware the sanctuary is a place where God is present, so they are already sensitive in their spirits. The dynamics of visual concept, merging and emerging lines working together, and the worshippers’ spiritual awareness usually come together in a visceral experience of the splendor of God.
Impact stories of my angel banners Chapter 3 are in my book, Splendor In Worship, available on Amazon and at www.splendorinworship.com.
But how did I get there?
When starting an art commission, look – and I mean really look – at the lines and angles in the sanctuary. Most buildings use post and lintel architecture, resulting in rectangular walls, floors, ceilings. Sometimes there are triangular and circular shapes. Compared to the vertical or horizontal line, the diagonal line and the arc are the most visually interesting.
Sit in the sanctuary in silence, looking at wall spaces where banners might be installed, at angles, and curves, and where the sunlight and electrical lights illuminate. Photograph every aspect of the sanctuary Chapter 5. Feel the space. Gaze at and study the photos at home.
I ask the Lord, “What do You want to say to this congregational at this time in their history of walking with You?” I do not proceed until I hear from Him. Once He gives me the visual concept, I work with the energy I sense from concept (this is spiritual sensing) to find the lines of keenest essence (this is compositional work). These essential lines in the design work together with the rectangles, diagonals, and arcs in the sanctuary architecture.
As a result of this creative process, an artwork is not a separate item installed in a space, but an integral dynamic visual, emerging from and integrated into the space. Worshippers sense this merging and emerging of dynamics, though they might not be able to articulate it. At some level, whether distractedly or purposefully, worshippers are aware the sanctuary is a place where God is present, so they are already sensitive in their spirits. The dynamics of visual concept, merging and emerging lines working together, and the worshippers’ spiritual awareness usually come together in a visceral experience of the splendor of God.
Impact stories of my angel banners Chapter 3 are in my book, Splendor In Worship, available on Amazon and at www.splendorinworship.com.
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