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Commission for
Primrose Hospice, Bromsgrove
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Original Design
Stained Glass Window
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'Stained Glass Window Design'
Rebecca and the Bishop of Dudley |
A unique stained glass window was created for the hospice's new Spiritual Space and is set to bring beauty, uniqueness and harmonious with the existing building. The window was installed in March 2009, in attendance was the Bishop of Dudley.
Rebecca has designed the window and has taken great care to include ideas and feedback from meeting with staff and patients surrounding colours and symbols to include. The design focuses on natural elements; earth, air, water and fire i.e. the Sun. The window will celebrate our natural world, encapsulating the landscape, reminiscent of the local surrounding.
Two trees flow together in the centre of the piece, in order to make a heart shaped arch-way. The trees are the focal point of the design. The artist wanted to include the heart symbol as a precious image of love in all it forms and to reflect on all those we love in our lives.
There are also themes of nature interlaced in the design; a fish jumping from the river in the foreground, a bird of paradise (top right) and ears of corn to highlight the farmland within this area. There is also a ‘man-made' feature echoed in the design; the windmill is a poignant piece of Bromsgrove local heritage.
The colours will be jewel like, beautiful blue tones, oranges and yellows. For the stars (by the moon, top left) and the foliage for the trees many people suggested gold and silver, which will really create interest and bring a special sparkle to the window. |
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The landscape painted, depicts a tapestry of rich colour and texture which aims to convey a sense of tranquillity and calm for this special room. Although not a specific geological location, the landscape was inspired by a place the artist visited in Cumbria, known as ‘The Swirls' with its gentle flowing streams and waterfalls. Many staff members and patients felt that the artwork created should centre on a ‘natural' theme for the series of work that was to be produced. A beautiful landscape for its peaceful influence seemed an appropriate theme for the series of works, the theme is also echoed in the stain glass window design (in the new Spiritual Room).
As in many of Rebecca's paintings there are hidden meanings to the imagery, format and colouring of the piece. The piece is filled with little symbols for the viewer to discover and which hold significance to the suggestions made by both staff and patients throughout the hospice.
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'Golden Valley'
(mixed media, acrylic, gold leaf, glass jewels, encaustic techniques (wax pigment), gouache, pastel, 120 x 80cm)
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Adorned with jewels, gold leaf, sequins and gold wax to enhance the flowing curves of the land and the river which flows through the piece, the painting absorbs you and invites you to escape into this fantastical yet intriguing landscape. Amongst the swirling water there are hidden initials; B and P to signify the words, Bromsgrove and Primrose. The tree foliage includes tiny glass hearts, symbolic that love is always present and an emotion central and powerful to us all in many ways, love in all its forms whether it be for people or places that capture our hearts and minds.
The piece also pays homage to an early 20 th century artist in style, Gustav Klimt. Klimt strove to convey beauty and passion through his pieces as Rebecca also aims to do. Klimt was famous for his wonderful use of gold leaf and texture with in his pieces. The colours have been selected thanks to the feedback from hospice staff and patients, cool colours; Lavender and Blue tones have a lovely calming effect and were a popular selection. |
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'Tree of a Thousand Stars'
(mixed media, 80 x 60cm)
The piece contains many symbols that aim to capture beauty and ultimately have a calming effect on the viewer. This smaller painting is ‘the sister' piece to the painting installed on the opposite wall. The inspiration behind the images came from suggestions by the patients and staff at the hospice, forming a series of special paintings based on nature, escapism and beauty. The artist utilises her unique style of ‘bent perspective' to incorporate the symbols, images and colours so that they flow and move into each other. Acrylic paint is embellished with other media such as gold, glass beads and sequins to add texture and depth.
Numerous patients and staff expressed a love for nature and natural beauty. The tree explodes with light and texture and its many glass beads symbolise all those who are precious to us. There are also tiny glass hearts hidden in the painting to convey love which is always present around us.
The artist was particularly inspired by the hospice's own fish pond and has incorporated this into the piece.
Rebecca hopes the piece serves to reflect positive response in all who see it and will stand as a reminder of all the experiences and times that are so precious to us.
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