The window is in style a semi-abstract work of art. That is, the artist, Stephen Hennessy, has in its design used both recognisable images and non-representational shapes. He has employed imported antique glass and glass textured in various ways. Because of the size, weight and shape of the window (the glass, the lead) there has been an engineering challenge involved in its installation.

The symbolism circles about the concept of the human journey to the openness ultimately afforded by God. The design involves a strong spiralling motion from an earthly beginning to a free state (at the top of the window) of knowing and being known. The elliptical movement in the window captures facets of human experience, represented by pockets of bright colour and detail.

The dynamic and regenerative qualities of water appear in the shimmer of rippling textured glass and the pale blues, the bright aquas, the water of baptism. Then the journeying soul is confronted with a great mystery, that of God entering human flesh.

The wine-dark crushed grapes and ears of wheat speak of the life and death of Jesus Christ, the blood poured out and the body broken. Through the mystery, the soul enters into a great heaven of glorious resurrection and swirling freedom. The soul has come home in radiance and joy.

About the Artist:

Stephen Hennessy (born 1956) is both painter and worker in glass. His work has been seen in numerous exhibitions, including group shows in New York and Moscow. His theatre work includes scenic art for productions of Cats and My Fair Lady and several films. He is represented in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria and Monash University.

Among Stephen's commissions are a mural for the Windsor Hotel and stained glass windows for the Horsham Catholic Parish and St Peter and Paul's, East Doncaster. The church was delighted to work so amicably with a Melbourne based artist of Stephen's calibre.