Concept Proposal – Jack Ruddat

For my light art project, I plan on machining and adding symbolic lighting effects to a monstrance. A monstrance is the vessel which holds the Eucharist for veneration, especially during the sacrament of adoration. I will machine it out of brass due to its reflective qualities and exceptional machinability compared to other metals such as steel. Three parts will be made: the stand, holder, and cross as its crown. A groove will be cut around the holder where an array of LEDs with small beam angles will be arranged radially from the center. The colors will alternate between red and white, signifying the water and blood which flowed forth from Christ’s side at the end of His Passion. At the base of the holder, two lights of greater intensity and larger beam angles will shine one red and one white as per St. Faustina’s vision of Divine Mercy. I am also considering arranging lengths EL wire in such as way as to form symbolic letters or words circulating the front face of the holder. In place of the Eucharist, a single radiating light resembling a flame could be made to symbolize Christ’s Sacred Heart. Coming out of the top and sides of the cross on top of the holder could be lasers of great length signifying God’s infinite and all-encompassing nature. I may also have the lights pulsate as if from a beating heart, signifying the hypostatic union or human and divine nature of Christ.

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