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The work is a form of sculpture called "assemblage," since it is made up of many
pieces of wood, each individually carved before being assembled by the use of
wooden dowels or pegs. The work has many woods, each one chosen for its
color, grain and strength. Included are domestic woods such as cherry,
black walnut, oak, maple and pear - as well as the more "exotic," imported ones
such as mahogany, purple heart and rosewood. The use of various woods
allows the sculpture to have some of the advantages which are normally the ones
restricted to painting - mainly the variety of color.
Mrs. Josephine McCord commissioned the work as a memorial to her late husband,
Howard L. McCord. Mrs. McCord, with the assistance of Pastor Cox,
discussed the work with the artist, William MacCrea in January and February of
1987. In September of 1987 the finished work was unveiled and presented to
the church.
Symbolism
Symbols have always been an important part of Christian expression, from the
very beginning days soon after the Savior's resurrection when a certain secrecy
was required as a means of escaping would be persecutors - right up to modern
times when symbolism may be used to give us cause to think more deeply about our
religion.
At the center of the butterfly is the ancient monogram of Christ.
Thistles at the base of the work symbolize both: earthly suffering and a
strength and determination.
Alpha and Omega, the large letters to the left and right, remind of Christ's
telling us that He is beginning and the end; Alpha being the first letter of the
Greek alphabet and Omega being the last.
The upper, left-hand relief carving depicts the family, the cornerstone of
Christian daily life. The child is a "bridge," a tie between the two
parents whose love for one another is conveyed through the child.
The upper right-hand relief depicts the continuum of values and humanity from
one generation to another. The grandmother is gently passing the care of a
rabbit into the hands of a little girl while two boys, one with a hand on the
little animal, stand by.
The lower right-hand relief is simply an illustration of visitation of and care
of the sick.
The lower left-hand relief reminds us of our need to care about others, to be
with them when they are deeply troubled.
It is noteworthy that the four relief carvings comprising the wings of the
butterfly are concerned with the more "personal" parts of Christian life; those
times when we are away from the physical church body - whether the congregation
and the fellowship - or the Church building itself.
Seven "rays" issuing forth from the butterfly remind us that these and other
Christian virtues are to be followed seven days of every week.
The jewel-like (and most costly) piece of wood in the upper right-hand butterfly
wing symbolizes the Jewel of great price - or - the "pearl of great price."
The several inter-twined designs symbolize the dual nature of Christ: the
human and the Divine.
The intertwined tre-foil: is an ancient symbol of the Trinity: three
but one, having no beginning and no end.
Three stars at the top of the work symbolize "Heaven." The butterfly lifts
toward Heaven, leaving earthly suffering below.
Perhaps most interesting of all is the use of the butterfly as an overall
symbol. Nothing could better convey the idea of a metamorphosis, and a
spiritual rebirth, than the beautiful creature which comes out of one of the
most "earthly" and least attractive beginnings. Yet, this symbol, found
elsewhere in the Grace Lutheran Church, has not been used in Christian
iconography for many centuries!! Someone is "getting the message."
Is is my personal hope that you enjoy the sculpture, it's woods and moods at
various times of the day and night. It will especially come to life for
you in candle light, for it has been designed to be seen for it's "negative"
(shaded) areas as well as for the "positive," or areas of "mass."
Respectfully,
William R. MacCrea
Sculpture...and a brother in Christ
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