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| The Mosaic at St. Peter's |
| The History of the Mosaic |
| The Artist |
Though originally planned as one integrated work,
the mosaic was completed in three phases. Rector
Charles Erickson, observing that the space above
and around the doors could be used to enhance
the spiritual significance of the church, consulted
artist Dale Owen. Together the came up with the
rough layout. From then on, the artist's creativity
had free rein. After the scale drawing was
approved he began work in his studio.
The first section, the part directly above the double
doors was installed in 1986, given by Gene and
Adaline Morosin in memory of their son, Michael,
who had died in an automobile accident. Pressure
of work and commissions, family commitments, and
ill health then kept Mr. Owen from finishing more
than this first portion, though work had begun in his
studio.
It was not until 1995 that St. Peter's Vestry ad-
dressed the issue of completing the project. Dis-
cussion continued with Mr. Owen in the hope he
would find an opportunity to bring the work to the
point of installation. At last, in 1999, in two stages
and funded by accumulated memorial gifts, the final
sections were installed June 22, just in time for the
celebration of the congregation's fiftieth anniver-
sary.
All the tiles were created and hand-cut expressly for
this mosaic Some of them have insets of
semi-precious stones and metallic silver.
In viewing this work it's important to remember that
for hundreds of years, biblical texts were few and
most persons were illiterate. Symbols were thus
widely used to represent objects and ideas, which
the people were highly skilled at understanding.
the mosaic was completed in three phases. Rector
Charles Erickson, observing that the space above
and around the doors could be used to enhance
the spiritual significance of the church, consulted
artist Dale Owen. Together the came up with the
rough layout. From then on, the artist's creativity
had free rein. After the scale drawing was
approved he began work in his studio.
The first section, the part directly above the double
doors was installed in 1986, given by Gene and
Adaline Morosin in memory of their son, Michael,
who had died in an automobile accident. Pressure
of work and commissions, family commitments, and
ill health then kept Mr. Owen from finishing more
than this first portion, though work had begun in his
studio.
It was not until 1995 that St. Peter's Vestry ad-
dressed the issue of completing the project. Dis-
cussion continued with Mr. Owen in the hope he
would find an opportunity to bring the work to the
point of installation. At last, in 1999, in two stages
and funded by accumulated memorial gifts, the final
sections were installed June 22, just in time for the
celebration of the congregation's fiftieth anniver-
sary.
All the tiles were created and hand-cut expressly for
this mosaic Some of them have insets of
semi-precious stones and metallic silver.
In viewing this work it's important to remember that
for hundreds of years, biblical texts were few and
most persons were illiterate. Symbols were thus
widely used to represent objects and ideas, which
the people were highly skilled at understanding.
Thirsting for knowledge and driven to enlighten
others through his art, Dale Owen has inspired the
people of St. Peter's as he certainly inspired
thousands of student during his career of making art
and teaching. He grew up in Hollywood, where he
worked in the entertainment industry for several
years. That's where he met his wife, Elaine, a
costume designer at the time.
His teaching career included positions in Cornish
College, The University of Oregon, UCLA, and the
Chouinard Art Institute, where he served as Dean.
Mr. Owen, who has survived his wife, is a member of
St. Peter's.
When asked why he chose to take on the project to
complete the Mosaic at St. Peter's, considering he
was 83-years-old when the final work was
commissioned in 1995, he replied, "I have the
disease of art; I always have."
In fact, Owen eagerly looked forward to completing
the work but no sooner had he begun than is
motheer died. Then he suffered a stroke from which
he slowly recoveed. He said afterwards that, while
going through the therapy and exercises to rebuild
his capacity, he often prayed: "Please let me live
long enough to finish the mosaic.
others through his art, Dale Owen has inspired the
people of St. Peter's as he certainly inspired
thousands of student during his career of making art
and teaching. He grew up in Hollywood, where he
worked in the entertainment industry for several
years. That's where he met his wife, Elaine, a
costume designer at the time.
His teaching career included positions in Cornish
College, The University of Oregon, UCLA, and the
Chouinard Art Institute, where he served as Dean.
Mr. Owen, who has survived his wife, is a member of
St. Peter's.
When asked why he chose to take on the project to
complete the Mosaic at St. Peter's, considering he
was 83-years-old when the final work was
commissioned in 1995, he replied, "I have the
disease of art; I always have."
In fact, Owen eagerly looked forward to completing
the work but no sooner had he begun than is
motheer died. Then he suffered a stroke from which
he slowly recoveed. He said afterwards that, while
going through the therapy and exercises to rebuild
his capacity, he often prayed: "Please let me live
long enough to finish the mosaic.
occasion of his 95th birthday, nine years after the completion of the mosaic. click the image for a larger version. |