Gesture Speaks the Loudest

With this sculpture, I was reminded again that gesture speaks first and loudest... 

I was approached by a liturgical design consultant, and asked to create a crucifix for the corporate offices of Presence Health, located in the Wacker Building in downtown Chicago. They wanted two sizes: 16" for four meeting rooms, and 22" for two gathering spaces. Each figure hangs on a pillar in the corner of two floors, surrounded by panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. 

I worked diligently for the face to communicate the love, kindness, and passion of the Resurected Christ. However, the figure is small compared to the space, and will be viewed mostly from a distance. For this reason, the gesture of his outstretched arms and tilted head embody a sense of welcome, comfort, and hope inviting the viewer to look more closely. 

My artist statement is as follows: The cruciform, "Welcoming Christ" depicts Jesus after his Resurrection. His arms reach out as an invitation to come and be embraced by His love. His hands show the wounds of his crucifixion reminding us that he understands suffering. The style is modern and minimal, speaking to the purity of His mercy, and relevance today of His sacrifice for us. The treatment of the garment around his neck, echoing a halo, is engraved with the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega, which are frequently inscribed in the halo of an icon of Christ. The facets on his garment are meant to reflect the light and represent his reflected glory.