Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Gifts for a life of giving

I am pretty sure that none of the nuns who will be receiving these artworks will in any way be reading or observing this blog, so I feel fairly safe sharing with you some of the works they will receive for their years of dedication, commitment and service to the community.

There are five nuns and the order has four guiding principles - hospitality, compassion, justice and community. The order was founded by a sister McAuley and so we decided that each of these words would be used in an individual art piece.

They are incredibly hard to photograph given their size (about 80cm wide) and the subtlety of the lighting and the folds.  So here they are kind of...before heading off to the framers.






And here are a couple of them showing the beautiful box frames.


And here are some shots of why I love them so...




15 comments:

  1. gorgeous fiona.... but don't you wish that the nuns were into 'love', 'peace' and 'joy' (just jiving!)

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  2. What exquisite work! The photos showing the shadows and movement are breathtaking.

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  3. F-just love the last 4 photos - really show the potential of the pieces - potential for light and shadow. B

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  4. F- loved the last 4 photos as they really show the beauty and simplicity of this work - the way the light plays and creates such beautiful images of light and shadow. Great works - lucky nuns. B

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  5. VERY lucky nuns indeed. Exquisite work Fiona, and very generous. Glad you took beautiful photos so that the memory stays with you.

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  6. Just beautiful Fiona, As Jo says, Lucky nuns! Love the delicacy of the light and shadowI can almost hear the paper singing.

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  7. Fiona, the simplicity of these stunning pieces mask their intricacy and the steady hand that created them. I am bowled over by these.I almost wish I was a nun.....

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  8. These are so beautiful - I'm sure the nuns will be speechless and awed by your amazing talent xoxox

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  9. Love the simplicity that allows one to fully experience the beauty.

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  10. Hi Ronnie - I am sure they are!

    Thanks Jennifer - the light and shadow play is why I love them so.

    Thanks B!

    Thank you Jo - they worked out well and I did enjoy the making of them as well. 'Twas good to honour such commitment and wonderful work.

    Hi Liz - what a lovely idea - I can almost hear it singing softly and gently too now!

    Lesley- I read your note and burst out laughing - what a great line! The pieces themselves are lovely tho, and I'm glad you enjoyed them too!

    Thanks Noela - I heard today that they were almost awe-struck so that was nice I think!

    Thank you Leslie - I read last night on tumblr that if less is more, then nothing is everything and I kind of feel like the emptiness and quietness of the work makes them special. Go well.

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  11. Gosh what beautiful work! These have an air about them that is almost a contemporary view of prayer wheels - they draw you in and you can walk along side them as they spell themselves out to you.

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  12. Thank you Louise - that is so thoughtful and beautifully put. They are gentle and quiet and I think their contemplative nature matches the world the nuns have lived for so long.

    Hi Velma - thank you. They do seem to encourage contemplation and slowing down - as I said to Louise, I think they complement the contemplative life...

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  13. Masterful work Fiona! The light, shadow and reflection are entrancing. I love how you've framed the pieces.

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  14. Thank you Jane - I'm glad you enjoyed them; the shadow and light play well...

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.