~Art in Architecture~
Creating Catholic Identity with Jenny Steiner
I love to create artworks that tell a story – your story.
My creative work ranges from large scale commemorative works for a new building or to mark a significant anniversary, right through to smaller, more intimate pieces that build on a narrative.
The medium is chosen to best represent the symbolism of the work. This may be bronze, glass, stone, paint, metal or any combination.
We discuss the project in detail at the beginning to formulate a clear design brief. Sometimes I will run workshops with students, staff and key team members. At other times, I transform a broad idea into a design concept.
The design is presented along with a written explanation and a maquette (model) or drawings, accompanied by a budget and timeline for production and installation. Once production starts, you are encouraged to visit the workshop to view progress.
FEATURED SCULPTURAL WORKS IN SCHOOLS
The Winds of Providence
PARADE COLLEGE, BUNDOORA
A landmark sculpture to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the founding Christian Brothers to Australia.
This work depicts the penniless Christian Brothers sailing from England on the Donald McKay – determined with their faith in providence.
Led by Br. Ambrose Treacy, eyes gazing steadily forward, stands firm at the bow of the ship clutching the rail, bracing himself against the prevailing winds. The other Brothers ride the winds to their destiny, ready to play their part, carried by the ample sails in good faith.
A Connected Community
SANTA MARIA COLLEGE, NORTHCOTE
A sculpture space welcoming visitors at the gateway to the school. When students and staff were asked what the school meant to them, it was revealed that community and belonging were the driving factors.
The sculpture represents a connected community with each member an individual, but part of the whole. An interactive area for contemplation, this space is used as a learning space representing St. Benedict’s Rule – a rhythm of life.
Sisters and Kindred Spirits
PADUA COLLEGE, MORNINGTON
Installed on a raised garden bed this interactive sculpture space allows students to engage in breaks and participate in an outdoor litergy when the table is used as an altar.
The Whyte sisters (siblings) were both Mercy nuns. They are depicted in bronze looking at their first acquisition with Sr. Bernard resting an encouraging hand on her sister’s back. They share a cup of tea, the Mercy Sisters’ symbol of hospitality, with a third cup for visitors.
The table (altar) connects them to the seats and when viewed from above, the work is a celtic cross.
St. Peter, A Man of Contradiction
ST. PETER’S COLLEGE, CLYDE NORTH
A welcome sculpture created for the campus entrance.
During workshops and discussion with staff it became obvious that St. Peter was a contradiction. He had great faith, and self doubt, although a sinner, he was chosen as the first apostle.
Peter is kneeling in water on a rock – sinking or rising? Is he reaching out to be joined in faith, or clutching his keys welcoming you into heaven?
At the base of his net lies a cross, but seen from the other direction, it is a petrine cross. His fishing net is torn from his clothing. He is no longer a fisher of fish, but a fisher of men.
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit
PARADE COLLEGE, BUNDOORA
The Chapel is not only a religious space but a spiritual space to be used for a range of empathetic activities.
Bringing the outside in, we created panels for the Five Elements of nature between the windows. They are: Air – Autumn winds, Water – Winter Rains, Earth – Sprint Growth and Fire – Summer Heat.
As the elements move around the room, they follow the seasons, represented within an Australian landscape. The fifth element, the Holy Spirit, sits in the centre behind the altar. A glass lantern hangs from the centre of the ceiling grounding us.
Mary Aikenhead – Engagement and Inclusion
ST. COLUMBA’S COLLEGE, ESSENDON
Placed by the Canteen area where the girls gather during breaks, Mary sits to listen and engage. Her long scroll weaves in and out of the ground providing seating or something to lean against comfortably.
Mary is depicted writing; the massive red scroll represents the St Columba’s College ‘red thread’ of connection and continuity; the past with the present and the future.
Her writing is interrupted by the conversation of the girls around her. Quill raised, she turns to listen to them and engage in conversation. She always had time for others.
