St Patrick – Holy Cross College, Ryde, NSW
The Brief:
“A proposal for a relief sculpture of St Patrick which manifests the enormous energy of
the man and expresses this in a contemporary manner. This will require some research
into St Patrick’s history leading to the evolution of an icon that moves away from the
traditional representations”
Artist Statement
Over the years I was quietly drawn to art based on religious themes as well
as the architectural splendor of Medieval cathedrals, churches and their stained
glass windows. This eventually led me to explore biblical themes of my own.
In 2012, much to my delight a request for applications to produce a large-scale
bronze relief sculpture of St Patrick for the Holy Cross College, Ryde was
circulated through Margo Hoekstra at the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School
where I was undertaking a scholarship for emerging sculptors. This gave me the
opportunity to create ideas for a large-scale religious artwork. I promptly
submitted my proposal to Adam Taylor, Principal of the College.
My research for this commission led me to discover the fascinating and iconic
story of St Patrick. It was a story of a remarkable man with passion, energy and
a commitment to spreading the Christian message to the people of Ireland.
It became evident to me that a single large sculpture of St Patrick would not adequately meet
my vision for the commission. Instead, I visualized a suite of five sculptures portraying
significant moments in St Patrick’s life, so that the students of the College would be
visually reminded of his remarkable story as they walk past the gates of the College each day.
My works comprises of a 3m tall relief sculpture of St Patrick accompanied by four
small icons, two on each side of the main work. The works are both stylistic and dramatic,
but simple in form with strong clean lines expressing the passion and energy of each work. I
worked closely with Br Mark Ryan on the various aspects of the themes for which I am grateful.
“Confessio” (main figure)
St Patrick is portrayed as a dedicated, but humble bare footed man in his forties. This is in
stark contrast to the more traditional images of an older man in High Office. He boldly
displays a shamrock in his raised right hand as his symbol of the Holy Trinity, whilst
clasping a bible in his left hand as his confession of faith to God’s greatness. On his chest he
wears the Celtic cross as a symbol of the Irish people. He has composure of courage and
the look of determination for his mission to convert the pagan Irish people to Christianity.
“Captive” (Icon 1 - top left)
This work is both energetic and dramatic. Here we see Patrick at sixteen in chains desperately
resisting capture by pirates who sell him into slavery in Ireland. Born into privilege in Britain under
Roman occupation,we see him as a healthy well-dressed youth in a stance of struggle wearing a
Roman tunic.
“Prayer” (Icon 2 - top right)
In contrast, this work has a strong sense of peace and calmness. We see Patrick more simply
dressed as a shepherd in slavery praying constantly for comfort and strength. Divine
dreams eventually leads Patrick into escaping back to his native Britain after six years of
slavery. Patrick pursues his religious passion and rises through the orders of the Church.
“Holy Trinity” (Icon 3 – bottom left)
St Patrick returns to Ireland to walk amongst the Irish people again and to preach the Gospel.
This icon has a strong sense of intent and commitment. St Patrick is seen engaging with pagan
Irish Celts prominently displaying a shamrock as his symbol of the Holy Trinity.
“Paschal Fire” (Icon 4 – bottom right)
This final icon is both dramatic and triumphant showing St Patrick courageously lighting the
first fire on the eve of Easter on the Hill of Slane. This act was in defiance of a royal edict
of the pagan king, Laoghaire that all fires be extinguished until the royal blaze is first lit.
The story continues that St Patrick and his followers are protected from the king’s reprisal by
Divine power as they recite The Lorica or St Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer. The sacred fire that
was lit would never be extinguished. St Patrick would eventually achieve his life’s mission
to convert the Irish people to Christianity and become the Patron Saint of Ireland.
- February 2016 -
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