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 which can mean “sparkling white”, and the way in which Quartz crystals shimmer can be a reminder of this.
Christmas Light installed in St John’s Dumfries
The Christmas Light installation is now in place. Drop in between 10.30 and 4 to contemplate how light is received and reflected, shaped by all those who have contributed.
The deeper meaning for christians, especially at this time of the year, is for us to reflect on how we respond to the eternal light which has always surounded us. Recognising, Recieving, and then shining as Nuggets of Joy wherever we find ourselves.
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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 and their relationships. They have drawn responses to this which will form a large contribution to the installation which is hopefully set up for the 11 O’clock service this morning.
More photos and videos will follow, but meanwhile enjoy this collage which has been adapted for use on the website.
In what ways to you bring light to the world, and your relationships?
We are working away and sticking peoples symbols to mirrors. Every ‘Nugget of Joy’ will contribute to the overall effect.
This Sunday, the 18th of December, will see the first component of the artwork installed.
Working away at Frothy Coffee in DumfriesFrom those who gathered for the contemporary service.
As well as for regular services, the building is open for prayer and reflection between 10.30 and 4 each day. You are welcome to drop in and watch the light being gathered and reflected – shaped by all who have contributed.
As part of the Christmas installation this year we have been asking people to recognise the ways in which they bring light into the world, and their relationships. They have been writing words and drawing symbols as described elsewhere on this site.
Here are some of the symbols of the “Nuggets of Joy” which have been contributed so far.
The first stage in the installation will be set up for Sunday the 18th of December, more will follow after that. In the week up to the 18th Simon will be in Dumfries High School RME lessons working with the students there. This is something you can get involved in wherever you are in the world though!
As Christmas approaches Christians are thinking about the light of Jesus coming into the world. All over the world we will be spending time becoming aware of ways in which this light makes the world a better place to live in.
We invite you join us in this by contemplating the ways in which you bring light into your relationships with the world and those close to you.
We believe that everyone has the potential to be a unique nugget of joy! So your response could be as simple as writing your name. You could also think more deeply and write, draw, or make something to symbolise the ways you uniquely do this.
Take a photo of your response and send it to quartz@wordsmithcrafts.co.uk. We will print and add your contribution to a mirror as part of an installation in St Johns Dumfries. Added to a collection of over 100 mirrors it will catch the light and shimmer for everyone who drops in to experience it.
We will be posting photos and videos of the process online for those who are unable or, would prefer not to, visit the building.
That was an example of a type of art known as an “Installation”. As a community art project it drew together ideas from a wide range of people, and worked in a relationship with the building it was hung in. The architecture and lighting of the place influences the shape and design as it unfolded, and currents of air made the angels dance in moments which can never be repeated.
If we were to try the same thing this year we would achieve a different effect, if we were to take the materials and install them somewhere else (as we did with the Angel Cloud) then whilst there would be some continuity of identity, it would still be a new work of art. The activity and process of developing the art with people is an important component of the whole “installation”. This is different from a painting or sculpture which can be moved from gallery to gallery, or placed in your home.
This Advent we are trying something very different to the Angel canopy. For a few months now people involved with Quartz have been thinking about light. Previously we have explored Forest Lanterns and the theme of Light in Darkness. Building on this experience, the installation is an opportunity to contemplate the story of the light of Jesus entering the world. This can be approached both as an exploration of Christian belief, and more generally as something which has contributed to the formation of Scottish society, and global culture.
Called “Christmas Light” we are using mirrors and drawings made by the congregation and wider community. We will assemble these to make one focal chandelier, which will then flow into mobiles hanging in the arches. The mirrors will catch the light inside the building and reflect it in ways that are shaped by the contributions of those who participate.
The full description and a printable activity sheet are found here. Please spread the word! Everyone is invited to participate, and to experience the installation over Christmas. We will start to install it on the 18th of December and will keep the webpage updated so all who contribute can see what is happening even if they are unable to visit the building. This is a work of art hosted in the St Johns building, but all are invited to participate. Simply think about ways in which you shimmer and shape light coming into the world and your relationships this Christmastime.
