LÝSING VERKEFNIS (PROJECT DESCRIPTION)

The proposed mosaic installation located at the entry of the community center (safnaðarheimili) of Hafnarfjarðarkirkja, is a cooperation piece where I will establish a certain framework, and then work within that over a period of three years with the confirmation children of Hafnarfjarðarkirkja 2009, 2010, 2011.

The inspiration for the piece can be found in the ideas behind the celtic cross and the colours of the church year (guðsþjónustulitir) are reflected in the details.

The confirmation children have been learning about what these colours represent and I feel that it’s important that they take part in the creation of something where this new knowledge comes into play. That they must think of what colours they are using to represent themselves in this piece, which will be a part of the congregation hall of the church. Where they can go and confidently say, “I did this, I took part in this, I helped to create this”

The beginning, and the central part of this piece is the tree of life. It’s created from a stylized version of the celtic cross. The celtic cross is a symbol of eternity that emphasizes the limitless love of God as demonstrated in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The circle (halo) in the cross reminds us of the unending mystery of how through the crucifixion and resurrection Christ continues to offer the hope of salvation to the faithful throughout all time.

One can also use the symbolism of the high crosses carved in stone which is a tradition coinciding with the meeting between the pagan Norse and older Christian civilizations.

The main cross of the piece is made of strips of brown ceramic tile. Varying in grades of colour it will give a wonderful 3D effect as well as a similarity to tree bark. I want to keep it in these very grounded natural colours. The cross will also have some natural stone details, probably beach pebbles polished by the sea, or roughly polished lava pieces collected from around Hafnarfjörður. Both choices having strong connections to our town. These “stones” which are black also represent sorrow (litur sorgar) I find it very important to incorporate these points of sorrow into the tree of life because although we have sorrow and death in our lives, we still continue to grow. They are also part of the “trunk” of the tree, prominent and part of our experience as people.

But we also have to be reminded of Christ’s strength and that he rose from the dead. In addition to black we have white and silver where we have mourning. Here is where the “sun circle” or “halo” of the cross comes into play, here I will be using silver, gold and yellow strings of tiles and glass beads. Flowing and even, they will represent a harmony in the stability of the tree itself. These are the colours of joy and purity.

Creating a very thin and delicate line in the center of the cross is a glass/glass tile continuous blood red line through the piece. Here we encounter the colour of love, blood, fire and the holy spirit. The red colour reminds us of those who have died for their faith. This is the centre, this is the core of the cross. Possibly a red glass centerpiece will join the four rods of red glass/tile together. Or naturally red Jaspis stones. (naturally occurring in Iceland)

While I am working on the cross, I will be receiving groups of the children being confirmed to my studio. Here I will be teaching them my craft. My unique way of cutting tiles that I have been teaching in classes for several years. I will give them access to tiles and beads and each one will be entrusted in the creation of one leaf.

Each leaf will represent their person within the collective tree. And these leaves will complete the crowning glory of the cross, to create our tree of life. Each one as individual as each young adult.

Here we will be using mainly green, the colour of growth, maturity and hope. What can be more appropriate for our youth. Other colours will come into play such as purple representing reflection, grief, repentance and regret. So appropriate to growing. We cannot have one without the other. And all can be seen as positive. As long as we learn from them, the purple can be seen as one of the more positive in our experience of growth.

I will also include different tones of blue to represent our wonderful harbour and other colours, we’ll just have to see where the minds of the young ones will take us.

The most wonderful part is that this is not the end of the piece. In 2010, I will take the next group of confirmation youth and they will add to the piece. Their own individual leaves which will allow our tree to grow. And then in 2011 again we should be able to add again.