Moose Jaw -
A new art piece, designed by Grant McLaughlin is now hanging in the Emmanuel Lutheran church in celebration of its 75th anniversary.
Commissioned by the church, McLaughlin has created a relief sculpture depicting a living Christ on the cross. Two other reliefs depict the hand of God and humanity and, above the Christ sculpture, a dove to symbolize the holy spirit.
"I was trying to keep with the ideas of the church and the important symbols of the church," said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin wanted to show a living Christ to signify light and life.
"The figure of Christ reaches out to touch the hand sculptures as if reaching out to help and give inspiration in life," said McLaughlin.
Using earth tones, McLaughlin wanted to create something modern but with a timeless look.
"There is a stylization in the figure and I wanted to create an ancient timeless look but with a modern design," said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin worked over the winter and spring to finish the sculpture on time for the anniversary celebrations to be held next month.
"It is a large relief sculpture, but I designed it to suit the area and so the majority of the congregation would get the best view," said McLaughlin.
The initial project began in the fall of 2007 when a committee was created to find an original piece of art that would best represent the church.
"We created a theme based on the church, Emmanuel, meaning God is with us, and asked artists to create their impressions on that basis," said Rev. John Kreutzwieser, pastor of the church.
The committee sent a request out to the art community in Saskatchewan for designs.
With 15 submissions sent in from all over the province the committee narrowed down its selection to three.
It had artist Anna Hergert, David Freeman and McLaughlin produce maquettes of their works to make the final decision.
"We met with the artists and ultimately choose (McLaughlin's) artwork, feeling it was the best design for the sanctuary," said Kreutzwieser.
Kreutzwieser said the church has always tried to make use of art, using statues, painting and sculptures as a part of its worship life.
"Our church has been a long-time supporter of the art community and many of the congregation are excited to see the sculpture made by (McLaughlin) on the wall of the sanctuary," said Kreutzwieser.
Kreutzwieser likes McLaughlin's design connecting the Holy Trinity and is confident the congregation will agree.
"We left (the sculpture) in the hands of (McLaughlin). He had a vision, the artistic eye and the abilities to create a wonderful art piece. It's definitely his reflection," said Kreutzwieser.
Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263.
