On the Wings of Love

My piece measures 8 ft tall, 3 feet wide.  It was inspired by the love of a wonderful couple Nick and Ernestine Bolen of Rogue River Oregon.  They were married over 55 years, brought 9 beautiful successful children into the world, Nick an Avid Crafter supported his family doing odd jobs, and working Craft faires welling his handmade wooden Dove bowls... Ernestine raised her children and loved her church. 

When Nick passed away in 2010, their children contacted me and asked me to design a window for their church where all 9 children and many of their 34 Grandchildren, and7 gread grandchildren were baptised and worshiped, It needed to  have special meaning to the family and be inspriational to the church members. 

I designed this window with two Doves, representing Nick and Ernestine.  The upper Dove is letting go the vine that carries the 9 leaves, representing his children, while Ernestines Dove hold on to her family, and keeps the faith... Nick's Wings are made of Translucent marblized glass, while his body is made of White Bullseye, with a fused eye.  Ernestine's Body is made from Nick's wings, and her wings of a less translucent glass signifying her solid connection to life.  The many ripples of water at the bottom represent the many Grand and Great Grandchildren, was well as their gigantic extended family.  The dedication Sandblasted on multilayer glass which has a blue outer layer and a white inner core, making the letters stand out white... The inscription.  "Dedicated to the Neverending Love of Nick and Ernestine Bolen". 

The peice is over 2000 pieces, all hand cut, with each and every member of their family cutting, grinding, foiling or soldering at least one piece of glass, even the children!  It's a very special piece.  It now resides in the window, backdrop to the Baptismal Bowl,  of The Lady of the Lake, Catholic Church in Rogue River, Oregon, where Ernestine never misses a Sunday service.  It was truly a Labor of Love!  A very special piece.