a commission

I have been commissioned to create a stole for a Unitarian minister. A stole is a vestment consisting of a band of colored cloth, about 8 feet long and several inches wide. The center of the stole is worn around the back of the neck and the two ends hang down parallel to each other in front. Like these:

The minister has asked that I use images of spirals, seeds and stones, erosion and decay, and the burning bush. So I’ve started collecting images:

Ancient images, modern, stained glass and mosaic - I’m collecting everything at this point.

It seems that the image should make it clear that the bush is burning, but still alive

These two, (Above) both show their roots, which could be a helpful design element.

I like the one on the left (Above) having a totally different style for the tree and the flame. On the right side, the figure of God has been nicely worked right into the burning tree image.

Spirals - for now, let’s stick with natural spirals, and perhaps ancient ones:

Some types of seeds are spiral….

I thought this one (Below) had great possibilities (with the spiral flower, and I could have the seeds rising up from that pointy seed pod) but the Thorn Apple (also known as Jimson Weed) is a highly toxic hallucinogen, so maybe I should leave it out….

But there are all sorts of other seeds to use, with fascinating shapes:

Since she asked for seeds and stones, I googled both words together and came up with living stone plants (succulents, Below).

Although some seeds, like the ones below, are very bright and colorful, most are rather drab. This isn’t going to be a problem, but it is something I have to keep in mind as the first compositions start popping up in my mind…. a design of erosion, rocks and seeds could wind up looking muddy. 

Especially when we get to erosion and decay:

I’ve got all sorts of eroded stone walls and weathered brick in my collections:

Now I just have to figure out how to put these all together….

as always, contact me at dianesavona@aol.com.