St David Lewis, Bettws, Newport

When reading the suggestions of themes and ideas of what the window should represent it became clear to me that the window was about the church itself, reflecting its history and relationship to the community, both old and new. What came over very strongly to me and resonated as a theme for the design were the words,

‘Their faith was strong, their spirit relentless, their sacrifices great’

Through layers of symbols I’ve created the design to reflect this statement and the church as a whole.

The church is symbolised in the centre of the window with the circular form and paten or communion plate representing the sacrament of Holy Communion and the bringing together of people. This central motif frames all the other symbols.

I chose to represent the words ‘Faith, Spirit, Sacrifice’ by using the dove to represent the Spirit, the cross as a symbol of sacrifice, in Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation, and the symbol of the Jesuits referring to St David Lewis, whom the church is dedicated to, as a symbol of faith in his act of martyrdom.

Underneath the cross are root like shapes symbolising the roots of the church’s congregation of Irish families. The roots turn into the cross and behind the cross faded in the background is the clover leaf, a symbol of christianity originating in Ireland and a metaphor for the Holy Trinity.

The multicoloured flecks moving to the centre of the window represents the welcome to the Church from other cultures of the world with the daffodil, symbol of wales, appearing to the left of the cross reflecting a new home in Wales.

The colour blue as well as being a beautiful colour in glass is also a symbol of faith, truth and reflection. The triangular composition reflects the altar wall and ties in the design architecturally with the building.

All Saints’ Church, Penarth

The window located in the west facade of the porch is a memorial to Robert & Phyllis Berry and is themed on the Pentecost. The message of the Pentecost, bringing us closer to God through the Holy Spirit and giving us strength to go and undertake God’s work, seemed to be highly relevant both as a message as we leave the church and as a celebration of life committed to its work and help in the wider community.

The dynamic composition references the events described in Acts 2, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. “ 

The colours graduate from light to dark, through colour, from top to bottom, symbolising the heavenly light of God’s love, leading us, entering our lives and piercing the darkness.  The Holy Spirit is represented by the dove in the top light and the tongues of fire can be seen radiating through the window.

The window is mostly viewed upon leaving the church when walking down the aisle. Therefore it would be appropriate to communicate a feeling of joy and hope in the design, celebrating the Christian message as we leave and go out into the world.

The inscription is from the post communion prayer of the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist and is taken from the last part of ‘Send us out in the power of thy Spirit to live and work to thy praise and glory.”

 Hide, St Donats

These door panels were designed and made for boutique camping and accommodation, Hide at St Donats. They are the bedroom doors for the Waldon Lodge and were based on the theme of 'Into the Woods'. The simple black and white scheme echoes the interior design and the milky white glass and handblown seedy glass both let the light in but also provide privacy in the bedroom.

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