Art Around the Parish
St. Paul’s is full of artists and its property full of art. Among us are filmmakers, poets, actors and actresses, screenplay writers, musicians and dancers, and throughout our space is art that is meant to stimulate the senses and connect us to God.
Font
Designed by renowned local artist and sculptor Julie Speidel, St. Paul’s fill-immersion font is unique to the Episcopal Church USA, and perhaps the Anglican Communion. Inspired by the organic shape and placement of two sections of animal horn, Speidel created a font that would attract people of all ages to dip fingers, arms, and full bodies (as the occasion allows) into the motion of its holy water. Flowing from one larger upper segment to a lower basin, baptismal water moves constantly and freely. The sound of moving water reminds parishioners and visitors of their baptismal identity.
Altar
The altar is made from a slab of 800 year-old naturally felled Oregon walnut. Supported by two horn-like organic shapes made from rolled bronze, Julie Speidel’s altar mirrors the design elements of her font. The two supports reflect femininity and mystery, supporting the ancient slab of wood like two upturned hands. At the same time, the altar is still clearly perceived as a table, in keeping with St. Paul’s strong sacramental commitment to the Eucharistic meal.
Crucifix
The crucifix above the altar was carved by John Anderson, a former parishioner. John Anderson carved our crucifix at the invitation of Rector John Lockerby in the late 1960's, in keeping with St. Paul’s history and tradition of encouraging aspiring artists. Using a relative as a model, the artist sought to create a crucified Christ that communicated the victory of the cross. Thus our crucifix depicts a Christ who is very much alive and is looking toward heaven.
Ambo
The ambo, or pulpit, was designed by Deborah Mersky and built by John Gierlich. Upon close inspection, it is revealed that the Christian symbols set in the blue fire-enameled body of the pulpit can also be found in the sage-green metal fencing surrounding the church property, also designed by Mersky. The central images represent the role of a proclamation as well as a source of ‘the water of life.’
Mary Icon
Hanging above a ceramic sand bowl in a niche to the right of the chancel is our Mary Icon. It was written in the traditional Russian style by a contemporary icon writer at a Russian monastery. You will find a collection of parishioners gathered in front of it preceding Sunday morning Mass, saying the Angelus. Others will stop before it to light long taper candles to place before it in prayer.
Fence
Bordering St. Paul’s on Roy Street is a decorative fence designed by Seattle artist Deborah Mersky, which contains symbols reflecting the life of the parish community. These symbols are meant to open the imagination and to invite the viewer to bring their own interpretation to the art.
All Saints Chapel
All Saints Chapel features an assortment of iconography on the walls and two early 20th century stained glass windows over the altar. The crucifix and statue of St. Peter were created by Southwestern artist George Lopez. Both statues are representative of the Cordova, New Mexico school of woodcarvers that emphasizes simplicity of form.