Of waves and fishes

What a privilege it was to see the 'first hanging' of the new St Clement's altar frontal. The hanging was designed and sewn by Joanne Graham, one of our resident liturgical textile artists. We'll have the opportunity to have the frontal blessed by the Bishop on his next episcopal visit. Here's what Joanne had to say about the inspiration behind her design:

Our beautiful traditional white altar frontal is being retired.  It is over 40 years old and is showing its age!  Considering how to design a replacement, especially for the WHITE seasons was daunting to say the least.  I was advised by Thomas Roach to bring the outside in, which I did by adding the (faint) ferns and salal of our north garden. The horizontal pieces are suggestive of our interior wood walls, the colours of gold and the sun dance ribbons that Vivian Seegers shared with us. The spaces between remind us of our brokenness.  Alpha and Omega balance each end and the colour strips connect them.

The fish and wave idea came from a book that Lynne MacNaughton gave me; they are emblematic of our location in the world, the fish being an ancient symbol of Christianity. The basic design of these fish came from a British fabric artist, Gill Bryan.  There are suggestions of westcoast native shapes on the fish.  

Thanks to Helen for wanting some colour on this project!  It was so engaging and enjoyable to develop.  And thanks to St. Clements for giving me the opportunity!

Gosh, thank YOU, Joanne! You bless us with so many of your gifts and talents.