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Profound Light

Claire Wilkinson, final year Art student at York St John University will launch the first stage in the process of creating a permanent work of art in an exciting unveiling event on Saturday 2nd December between 5 and 8pm at Nunthorpe Methodist Church, Connaught Road, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough.

The artwork entitled 'Profound Light' will explore the theme of Christ as the light of the world. Members of the public are invited to participate in the early stages by attending this preliminary event. Photographic and written documentation from this will then be used to develop the work to a final series which will be on display in the Church throughout the Christmas period.

Claire is keen for as many people as possible to become involved and offer their comments. She has chosen the Church to exhibit her work in because it is such a beautiful building. She sees it as a way of giving something back to the Church community who have nurtured her since her baptism in 1986.

"In this period of advent it is appropriate for people to focus on something more than just the Christmas shopping and nights out celebrating. By involving other people I hope to stir up interest and provoke thought. Many people only ever go into a Church at Christmas time and I would like my artwork to draw people in. It is all very exciting as I am not sure what the final outcome will be, the ideas are developing all the time, most probably the artwork will consist of a series of large pictures using digital manipulation."

At the launch on Saturday 2nd December, the Church will be specially lit and there will be an exhibition of Claire's photographs on display, a power-point presentation, refreshments and an opportunity for people to respond in writing, drawing, poetry or prayer, if they wish.

Helen Jobling, Methodist Minister

Profound Light Expereinces

It was a Holy experience.
I wandered into the Methodist Church. It was dark. I had a torch to guide me.
I have been into the church hundreds of times before - but never like this.
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. I've preached and heard many sermons on this theme. I have looked for 'The Light' amidst the darkness, chaos, hurt in life. Sometimes, not always, I have found it. But now I could experience the depth of that Light in a place which I thought I knew. A Holy Place. A place of worship.
My torch, borrowed, guided me around the walls. Photographs of the windows, ceiling, pews, floor, walls, the cross. Oh - I had never seen them like that before. Stunning. Amazing.
Find your special place the instructions said. So I did. Lying on my stomach on the wooden floor, I looked through a forest of pew 'legs'. It was magic. What an extraordinary experience. I whispered to others - come and look - and they did. They were enchanted. My view of the Church is usually from 'on high' - from the height of the pulpit or exalted behind the Communion Table. I had never been down there before. Is this the place of humility? Is this where the suffering servant is to be found? A place of dust, of shadows. Who has explored these depths before? Toddlers who crawl around when they get bored. Children who escape from the "sit still and listen" to discover another world under there.

Afterwards I sat and looked. A projector said this is the 21st Century as it gave a stunning slide show on the smooth back wall. What happened to the flickering candle? This was power and majesty. I turned and saw the brickwork come alive above the pulpit as an image was thrown upon it. Then more images as light danced through the stencilled windows onto the ceiling - fish, stars, candles …. Wow!!

I looked at the people. Some glimpsed and moved on. Others paused and paused not wanting to leave this special place. A picture was drawn. Words were written. Then afterwards chatter over cups of tea. Children painted.

So thank you Claire. Thank you that you have used your gift of art in a place which has been your spiritual home all your life. Thank you for 'Profound Light'. And thank that there is still more to come.

Helen Jobling

What did other people think about Profound Light?

Here are some comments:
Some people carry lights which are stronger than others: it's just as well we can all shine together.

Very moving. Loved it. Saw our Church in a new light.

Very imaginative and thought provoking.

Shows profound insight as well as light.

Interesting array of images - both visual and thought provoking - fabulous quotations to make you think - how profound!! Loved the windows - fab cut outs - bet they look great from outside.

Profound is the right word. It will still be speaking to us when we've seen it a hundred times - still telling us something new.

Excellent, really mature work. It spoke to me of the reason for the Church's existence - to be the light of Christ to the community - very profound.

A wonderful experience. Profoundly inspiring. This will stay with me.