The Whole Inhabited World
February 28, 2017
Ecumenism is commonly portrayed symbolically as a boat afloat on the sea of the world with the mast in the form of a cross. Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Ecumenism reflects efforts towards the visible and holistic unity among different Christian faiths. The term ecumenical is derived from the Greek word οἰκουμένη (or oikoumene) meaning “the whole inhabited world.” The ecumenical movement involves the search for the visible unity of the Church (Ephesians 4:3) as well as envisioning the “whole inhabited earth” (Matthew 24:14) as the concern for all Christians.
The recognition of the importance of a spirit of unity is universal and conveyed by many symbols. Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Poor butterfly ‘neath the blossoms waiting…
February 27, 2017
Poor Butterfly
For she loved him so…
Young Ciocio-san awaits Pinkerton’s return from her past as her fathers hara-kiri knife looms before her. Inspired by Madama Butterfly (1904) composed by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), this design is by Meredith Eliassen, 1917.
Breaking Bread with Nevermore
February 20, 2017
Nevermore, a raven from the ‘hood swooped down behind me the other day, and proceeded to eat an English muffin whole… who was I to argue.
“Nevermore” in flight before discovering an abandoned English muffin, portrait by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
“The Raven” was first attributed to Poe in print in the New York Evening Mirror on January 29, 1845.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. “‘Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.” Edgar Allen Poe, 1845.
Amused by the raven’s comically serious disposition, the narrator asks that the bird tell him its name. The raven’s only answer is “Nevermore.”
Nevermore about to take off with his feast.
For Mom and Dad…
February 14, 2017
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Let the love in your heart grow tall like a tree and shine bright like the sun, heart tree design inspired by a medieval design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
A rose by any other name…
February 13, 2017
Simply a Tudor rose design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
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