Words + Images

and then there was st. augustine

November 12, 2014 by Cynthia

As I’ve written about before, one of the great pleasures for me of stepping into a church is to see the wide variety of artistic expression through stained glass. Such is certainly the case with a quick visit to St. Augustine’s, a Gothic church in Galway completed in 1859.

Apparently during renovations in the 1970s, the original window over the main altar was replaced by a new window depicting the Resurrection. The artist is George W. Walsh.You can read a bit more about Mr. Walsh via this link. His father, with whom he apprenticed for several years, was a pupil of stained glass artist and illustrator Harry Clarke.

While no one seemed to mind me meandering about with my camera, I focused mostly on that window above the altar with its many lovely parts making an incredibly beautiful whole.

The other window that caught my attention happened to be a depiction of St. Augustine himself. Later I discovered that Mr. Walsh also composed and completed that window.

It was a bit rainy that day so I did not take many exterior shots, but via this link you can view the building. On this webpage, you can read just a bit more about the history of the Augustinians in Galway and more about the construction of this particular building.

Posted in Inspiration, On the Road | Tagged architecture, art, beauty, churches, colors, faith, Galway, George William Walsh, Gothic church, Inspiration, ireland, Photography, religion, St. Augustine, stained glass windows, storytelling, travel | 3 Comments »

galway

November 11, 2014 by Cynthia

I’ve been on a bit of whirlwind travel for work and pleasure. In addition to spending time among swans, I managed to step into a few churches along the way. Here’s a bit of the beauty to be found at the Priory of St. Mary’s, The Claddagh, Galway, Ireland. I hope I have the opportunity to return one day.

Posted in Inspiration, On the Road | Tagged architecture, art, churches, colors, faith, Galway, Inspiration, ireland, Photography, Priory of St Mary, religion, stained glass windows, The Claddagh, travel | 3 Comments »

adagio

November 11, 2014 by Cynthia

Recently, a family of swans swam past me. As they did so, several spread their wings in the sunlight. Slow movements that made me think of motion and music.

I took many photos, and I wondered what am I to do with these images? Then, I listened to a particular piece of music and suddenly wanted to put the images and that music together somehow.

I’m going to give it a try. I’m not sure that I will be successful, but it is good to have a goal. I’ll let you know what happens. But until then, here are a few images of the beautiful birds.

p.s. As for the music that moved me? Just one of those very popular pieces out there in the world, Adagio in D Minor by John Murphy, composed for the film, Sunshine (2007). So many variations on the theme available online, but here’s a link to a nice one. Enjoy.