We have been working on the cocoon this week and gradually transforming it into a chrysalis with hand-made paper. It is becoming a tomb for the hopes and fears written into it by many folk over the past month of Lent. The physical transformation of the cocoon represents our longings for God to be at […]
Category: Arts
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Chrysalis
Here is a wee preview of the next stage in the “Transformation” project.
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The cocoon develops
Our “Transformation” lent project continues. People have been writing down the things they want to “let go of” so they can transform. The have also been adding the things they are “taking up” to aid their transformation. Perhaps this is a little like dieting and going to the gym. Giving up bad food habits, and […]
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Transformation
Quartz Community Lent Project for 2023 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom 12v2. NKJV We are making a willow and paper sculpture over the weeks of Lent which […]
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Encouragement and Inspiration
I was sent this bible reference to encourage me. The reasoning being, if God inspired these artists, then we should have confidence that our art can also be evidence of God working through us. Life is about more than deep thoughts, polished sermons, or even charitable giving. The text by a monk calling himself Theophilus […]
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“Christmas Light” review
During Advent in 2022 Quartz used visual arts to give people the opportunity to contemplate how they shape light entering the world. We made several mobiles, strings of mirrors, that were hung in the building. They were beautiful to look at, and many people commented that the installation helped them contemplate. The process of making […]
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Peace
This picture is one of my early ones. It has been useful a couple of times recently. This morning I was thinking about peace as I stood in to help out at a commemoration of remembering the day that Bruce killed Comyn in Greyfriars, Dumfries. The opportunity to help arose as a result of connections […]
How the digital world can help us worship at 6pm on Sunday the 29th of January we will be gathering in St Johns to use digital technology to worship together, and also explore ways in which access to the digital world can help us live out the Missio Dei, the mission of God. In the […]
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Sparkling White
Did you know that part of the inspiration behind the name “Quartz” is the shining or sparkling white of St Ninians foundation at Whithorn? It can be argued that the whole of the British Isles gained the name “Alba” in antiquity because of the “chalky white” cliffs in the south. “Candida” Casa uses a word […]
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Nuggets of Joy
As part of the “Christmas Light” collaborative installation we have been working with pupils at Dumfries High School. In their class they have been thinking about the meaning of Christmas for Christians, and also the symbolism of light. As part of this they have been thinking about how they can be “Lights” in the world […]