Client: Norton Pavilion Hospital

Overview

A spiritual image to speak of femininity while inspiring both men and women. Kiln formed and cast glass and cold forged copper cross designed as the centerpiece to the Pavilion Hospital chapel in Louisville, KY. While being interviewed and touring the chapel space at the Pavilion Hospital I was shown the design drawings and renderings for the renovation then underway. I was shown some old stained glass leaded windows and told that the windows were all that would remain of the old chapel. These windows informed my color scheme for this project. As I looked over the interior design plans I was told that a Christian image would be acceptable as this hospital was an acquired part of a larger facility and a fully ecumenical chapel was accessible as part of the existing campus. I was told that this part of the hospital was originally a Methodist/Evangelical hospital and they wanted to honor that faith as part of the history of the facility. I pointed out to the representatives of the hospital that I found it interesting that the hospital was at that time called the Women’s Pavilion and focussed on women’s health and that their design plan was extremely masculine. I immediately got the job.

Goals

My goal was to create artwork that could be perceived as Christian but had an ecumenical feel to it. It was also extremely important to me that the artwork speak to and of femininity in a spiritual way while still being inspirational to both women and men equally. The materials are powerful and delicate, spiritual and healing. The colors are dynamic, rich, vibrant and yet soothing. They offer both a sense of warm embrace and soothing calmness. The descending dove in the centerpiece offers a sense of Devine presence always present within us.

Process

The hospital chaplain staff as well as the administration and in house design team all allowed me free rein in this project. given my observations regarding their original design plan and the history of the hospital, I gained their complete trust. I also pointed out that the original chapel door was somewhat ominous and uninviting. I was also asked to create a new version of the door that would coordinate better with the artwork and windows and be more inviting.

Additional Information

Crating artworks for churches and chapels never ceases to touch my soul as an artist, especially in a hospital setting. So often people in deep spiritual and personal need enter these spaces seeking comfort, strength, compassion, and inspiration. Often then enter alone and need a sense that they're not alone. At these times and in these spaces it's only the artwork that's there to speak to them.