Mixed Media Artist Samantha Gray made cards of an image of an Axe-head found at the Ness of Brodgar
into which she incorporated some of the earth from The Ness. We bought one of these from The Ness shop a couple of years ago, and it’s pinned up on the wall in my den.
In St. Magnus Cathedral,
we came across a card made by Sam in which she incorporated Sandstone dust from the Cathedral – being the result of Stonemason’s restoration work. That’s also now on the wall in my den.
Sam doesn’t just produce images, she……incorporates……places – ideas – connections.
Here’s Sam www.samanthagrayart.com
When we visited the Cathedral recently, we sat for a few minutes…quietly. I asked for strength and safety for a friend – and for all who need help.
We don’t have religion – but St. Magnus is something more than/other than religion. It’s a place of peace, as the man it’s named after.
There’s so much darkness in the world….but there’s a circle of light in the Light in the North
Since that visit, we’ve been thinking about the Peace to be found in the Cathedral.
When we were there, there was just one other person – a woman sitting quietly in one of the side-stalls.
When we stood at either end of the Cathedral, we experienced the space. Not empty – it was full…. of…whatever it is that fills such spaces.
When the rain was belting against our windows and the wind was howling, we were talking of being in St. Magnus in different situations.
As it is, as soon as you step through the door, busy Broad Street recedes. Imagine being there at night – when it’s closed to the public and the lights aren’t on – in the moonlight. That space and the silence and peace that is there.
When friend Michael read my piece about finding peace there, he replied
“Sometimes being in a place where great compassion and care has been practised, and spoken about, (even if at times in the past this didn’t always happen because of history) can be very ” holding ” and comforting. I feel that in Durham and York cathedrals, and Bath Abbey. And in some very small tiny churches in the country where the community at its best shared love and support over hundreds of years. And I’m not a Christian.”
And I responded
“Just so, Michael – all those people, going there through all those centuries – for all those human things – matchings, hatchings and dispatchings. Or…to just sit quietly.
https://theorkneynews.scot/…/st-magnus-cathedral-a…
And, as you say, in some of the smaller churches too. And…back through time – see section about Blackhammer Cairn,
https://theorkneynews.scot/…/bernie-bell-orkney-walks…/ “
And…there’s this….
I heard that the friend I was concerned about is safe and well, and I‘ll get on with my days with a lighter heart.
Being in St. Magnus’, helped when I needed help.
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