The front exterior, with a large rose window. Stain glass only looks impressive with the light shining through.
Los Angeles has plenty of light to make the glass sparkle.
The intricate lead makes clear this is stain glass.
Combined with light, we have art. There is something to be said for an art form that relies so heavily on a natural element to perform at it’s best.
These windows are so high above me that I can’t get a straight forward picture. But maybe that is deliverate, it’s not about a close intimate study of the glass, it really is about the light and color.
I know Judson Studio made the Martin Luther King glass window. Sorry, I think I saw it, but didn’t get a picture. I highly recommend following them on Facebook, they are almost done with a massive installation in a church in Kansas City KS, incredible work on both the glass and the istallation of this massive project.
The vibrant deep colors just sing. Someone must have paid to have this window installed in the memory of a loved one. For years church art was sponsored by congregants in this manner.
Not all are that successful, this is in honor of a church secretary. Can I just say fake Della Robbia and leave it there? OK, maybe not fake, maybe reproduction, but it lacks the vibrancy of the 15th century Florantine ceramics. To me, it just looks like kitsch.
As does this small section of a large gilded picture frame. Let’s just say, this isn’t to my taste at all.
This on the other hand is fine, even if it is molded concrete. Maybe because it is the kind of reptitious pattern that becomes part of so many decorative elements around us.
A reproduction altar lamp.
Then I looked down and saw this marquetry in the floor. The Jerusalem cross – got it’s name becasue the Crusaders had this cross on their banners when they entered Jerusalem. Interesting how now, the Episcopal Church which is the farthest thing from the Crusaders have adopted this as their cross. I also find it strange that it is inlaid on the floor, to be walked on and ignored by most people. I guess I’m busy really looking, trying to see those things that most people miss.