THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SANCTUARY DECORATIONS ON PENTECOST SUNDAY:
The sanctuary of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, PA, bedecked for Pentecost, is my original inspiration. Though neither Robin nor I can remember exactly what it looked like, a piece (or pieces) of fabric soared over the pews, suspended from high in the sanctuary, bright in flame colors, and moved with air currents. Walking into the space took our breath away--clearly, something special was going on.
Then several years ago, while Robin attended a continuing education event at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, I spent a good amount of time in their book store. I found a lone copy of Spaces for Spirit: Adorning the Church by Nancy Chinn. The photographs of her work took my breath away, and I saw, again, that fiber and color, thoughtfully combined, can transform a worship space.
Calvin Sinclair’s high peaked ceiling offers marvelous opportunity (and challenge!) for decorating, as does the glass wall.
Pastor Kent Leydens provided the know-how (with the assistance of a 16-foot stepladder and a good throwing arm) and much of the know-what, to depict Pentecost’s message that something new, dramatic, and important is occurring.
I dyed the fabric panels with a modified arashi shibori technique. (Shibori is the Japanese art of shaped resist-dyeing, from which Americans have derived tie-dyeing.) “Arashi” means “storm,” suggesting wind-driven, even wild, activity. To achieve the effect, I folded the fabric, wrapped it diagonally on tubes, then manipulated it to compress the fabric against itself. I brushed thickened dye over the surface, allowed it to cure, then rinsed. Repeating these processes several times produced a lively, bright, multi-colored design; and though each panel received the same treatment, each piece is unique.
