Liturgical Art

The gem-like quality of enameling--glass fused to metal at high heat--has been used throughout history for sacred purposes, from medieval reliquaries to contemporary liturgical art.

For more information about how I create these enameled works, please see my pictorial demonstration of The Enameling Process.

Tabernacle And Cross
Ireland

De La Salle Novitiate Tabernacle Door

Tabernacle Door
Etched and enameled copper, gold foil; 14” X 14"

"Be Still and Know"

The cross and lettering are etched into the copper; 22 karat gold foil is inlaid in the letters of "KNOW"; transparent enamels are fired over the entire surface.

This cross and tabernacle door were commissioned for the chapel of De La Salle Novitiate in Dublin, Ireland. The designs of the cross outlines are taken from those of stone crosses at early Christian monastic sites in Ireland. The cross hung above the altar; an area behind the altar created a space for secluded contemplation. The enameled side of the cross faced the chapel; the text, carved in oak, faced the contemplative space. The texts were provided to me by a member of the community. The work was done at the enameling studio of the Central School of Art and Design in London, with the guidance of Patrick Furse.

De La Salle Novitiate Cross, Obverse

Cross
Etched and enameled copper, oak, 30" X 30"

Double click the image to see the reverse side.
Single click to return.

Reverse side text:
"A man can know no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends"

Before enamels were applied, an aquatint-etching process was used on the arms of the cross; the smooth center was highly polished. I designed the lettering and carved the text, using woodcarving chisels.

Benet Hill Monastery

Benet Hill Monastery Sign
Enameled copper, 32" diameter

Double click the image to see the reverse side.
Single click to return.

Reverse side text:
"Peace/Listen"

Colorado Springs, Colorado