This piece was commissioned by the siblings of a retiring Navy Chaplain. After discussing the things that were most important to the oldest of seven siblings, the motto "Faith, Family, Service" was created as the unifying concept. The Navy Chaplain pin, the navy chains, the cross as anchor and the compasses in each top corner were images that expressed his life in the navy. At the center is Luther's Rose, designed by a close friend of Martin Luther and used as a symbol of God's love in the Lutheran faith. The banner that announces the motto ties all the many elements together.

The panel was created using traditional stained glass techniques but there are several significant fused glass elements. The rose, compasses, eagle atop the globe and waves were all achieved by fusing the elements in my kiln. This allowed the color and flow of the design to go unbroken and to achieve texture, color and design that would not be possible with traditional stained glass techniques. The silver of the eagle and the continents on the globe were done with silver leaf encased in fused glass. The lettering on the banner and the details of the eagle were done in high fire gold and platinum respectively.

The panel is framed in a double sided frame that I built of red mahogany. Being double sided means the frame is finished and can be viewed on both sides and contributes to the stability and longevity of the piece.

The panel will be presented as a surprise by the siblings of the retiring Chaplain at his retirement celebration in Virginia. Afterward, it will be hung in a place that allows for transmitted as well as ambient light.

The design integrated many elements that are traditional naval icons as well as the central rose of Martin Luther. The color palette also lends a naval quality to the overall piece.

Approximate dimensions of the framed piece:
29" H x 23" W

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