Central DuPage Hospital Chapel
Winfield, Illinois
19' high x 68' long overall.
The Chapel is intended to be a womb-like sanctuary, a “place apart,” where one leaves the hospital environment and enters a space that immediately calms the spirit and nurtures the soul. With an abundance of rich coloration, the stained glass wraps around the space with a soothing embrace to all who enter. Although the Chapel windows are intricately woven with symbolism, the abstract presentation allows the artwork to speak freely to the heart of the viewer with varied messages, influenced only by life’s journey and the nuance of season and light.
"Ruah" Window: With an all embracing, but very gentle, sweep of color and movement, this window speaks of Ruah, the “Breath of God.” This soothing voice surrounds us, is always with us. It is so very gentle, yet awesomely powerful, just as the air is both breeze and wind.
"Water" window: This window represents the concept of water, with all its connotations of abundance, cleansing, flood, and rebirth. As these ideas guided the rhythm and flow of the design, a single water drop emerged. It communicates that we may be one drop in the sea of life, but that God treasures us as a most precious individual, selectively nurturing us in our time of need.
"Fire" Window: Fire embodies the very essence of spirituality, whether as a sacred religious symbol, or as a calming spiritual experience. Aspects of these concepts are woven into this window design. The seemingly spontaneous movement within the design suggests that the Holy Spirit is moving within and through us, empowering us with its presence. The vertical movement of line and color guides our eyes heavenward, reminding us to take our concerns to God in prayer.
