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"Dancing Figures" Banners
BannersFor the past few weeks, a colourful set of banners has graced the sanctuary at TSP. These banners were created by Norah McMurtry for the 25th wedding anniversary celebration of Paul and Lynne Stott held on Oct. 23, 1993. (Their actual anniversary date is Oct. 26th)
Norah explains where she found the inspiration for the banners:
“I was reading Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved" the summer I started on the banners. In the book, Nouwen is writing to a young man who wants to know how to live a spiritual life in a secular world. Nouwen writes "All I want to say to you is, 'You are the Beloved,' and all I hope is that you can hear these words as spoken to you with all the tenderness and force that love can hold. My only desire is to make these words reverberate in every corner of your being - You are the Beloved."
So I thought it would be a good thing for us all to be reminded that we are God's beloved and I decided to put it on one of the banners. It was also in the context of Paul and Lynne's love and commitment to each other as they celebrated their 25th anniversary. And the two figures echoed this though I struggled with it not being seen as heterosexist. At the same time, it was important to have both female and male represented as God's beloved. The wheat and the grapes represent the gifts of the earth offered for our sustenance and of course remind us of the bread and wine we share in community.
The other banner is based on Carolyn McDade's Song of Community..."we'll weave a love." This was and is an important part of who Paul and Lynne are - they are weavers of community at TSP. Because of the shape of the banner - long and narrow - in order that they stay somewhat connected to each other, the figures became vine-like as they danced up/down the length of the banner. Their rainbow colours celebrate the diversity of community as do the varied shapes and sizes.”
Patsy Berton, a friend of Norah’s and Lynne’s and a visual artist, drew the figures and helped with the proportions of arms and legs and overall design.
These banners are normally used during the Common Season, or on special occasions.
Posted by Marion Kirkwood, May 27, 2009
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