Pentecost inspired all ages from the congregation to get involved to create a beautiful art installation in their church in Fleet.
Church on the Heath has an active creative ministry that has seen them create and work on various pieces of art over the years, including other Pentecost installations.
The creation of this latest piece was led by artist and theologian, Emma Phillips, having been commissioned by fellow team member Rosie. “I went into my studio and began thinking about how we could tell the story of Pentecost,” says Emma. “And hit upon resin dip, wire and string - accessible media that I have used before.”
Emma mentioned that the inspiration for the piece came from a number of verses in the book of Acts – tongues of flames falling on each of them and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all people particularly sticking out as key themes.
Inclusivity was an important part of the creative process and Emma was greatly encouraged to see how excited people were to have a go.
Men, women, young and old came forwards from across the church to help complete the installation. Age was no limiting factor with the youngest contributor being 3 and the oldest recently celebrating their 91st birthday!
“There was a great atmosphere. I even had a few teenage boys come back over and over.” Emma shares.
The process, which included creating wire flame shapes, dipping them in resin and tying them to string, saw 670 individual flames created over the period of a week, with the final 2m by 5m installation completed the Sunday before Pentecost.
“We are privileged to have a Creativity Team that works together to mark the major festivals in the church year with a variety of art installations.” Says Revd Patrick Butler, Minister at Church on the Heath. “As our church is used by many outside groups, including orchestras and choir concerts, to have something visual that is beautiful, inspires and sparks curiosity is an important aspect of our church's mission.”
The ’Spirit Fall’ community art piece can be found at Church on the Heath and is likely to be in place until the end of the school summer term. The church is open every day for prayer and has a coffee bar open most mornings, so the public can pop in to see the installation.
Photo credit: Steve Inglis