The Aberfoyle Park Chapel Cross
Have you ever wondered?
The bespoke cross in the Resthaven Aberfoyle Park Chapel space was designed and created by creative artist and graphic designer, James Coulter.
James collaborated with Resthaven Manager, Building and Capital Projects, Emmet O’Donovan, to design a unique artwork for the site’s spiritual space.
After a few trial concepts, the design was finalised, based on the ‘local waterways’ theme. This theme features in the names of various areas throughout the home.
The Field River is fed by watercourses that run through the Aberfoyle Park area, including the Minkarra, Homestead, Sauerbier and Education Creeks. Running to its outflow at Hallett Cove, the Field River has great cultural significance to the Kaurna people. The fluid lines of the waterways are also reflected in signage and wayfinding elements, which feature muted blue and green tones.
James says, ‘I was excited to create a unique artwork that would create an emotional response, a cultural experience, of pure emotion. I wanted it to be special.’
‘Emmet discussed the concept of creating an inspiring cross with me, something religiously inspirational, that emphasises bringing people together—as a ‘fusion’—to represent the people living in areas of the home named after the waterways that flow into one.’
‘When discussing the project, Emmet suggested the concept of St Brigid’s cross. St Brigid is a patron saint of Ireland, and Emmet cited the woven nature of this cross as an inspiration.’‘I created a model with an organic feel, which we showed to many people to gain their views (pictured with James and Emmet).’
‘It represents the transformation of artistic feelings, an abstract internalisation of feelings. This helped inform the final design and the way the intertwined lines of the St Brigid’s cross style are represented in the layered acrylic light forms. The ends are bound like the St Brigid’s cross, and the consultation process resulted in the “loosely bound” ends of each arm.’
‘The material used has unique integrity; acrylic rods are layered to change hue at every angle. This creates a different experience between each person and the cross—representing inclusivity in the way it is entwined together, bringing people together. I like to think it is beautiful.’
We couldn’t agree more! Thank you, James.