These two standing stones with stained-glass insets were designed especially for the Sacred Heart University western stairway entrance. This design aims to create a strong visual presence, with the warm stained-glass colours helping to soften and blend in with the newly erected Ogham stone, the building behind and surrounding gardens.

The Spiritual Stone:

This stone holds the stained-glass Cross with a heart at its centre in warm colours. This is to represent both the SHU as well as the heart being at the centre of Christ’s teachings and his sacrifice. It holds something of the old life of the building, too, but is now renewed with the heart linking directly to the University and its core teachings inspiring the students to ‘Follow their Heart’. The lowest section of glass has the Universities motto and shield hand painted and kiln fired in the same traditional way as the hand painted glass created over 1000 years ago.

The Humanities Stone:

The second design holds something of the cultural landscape of this part of Ireland and the role of the SHU and its teachings. There are elements to represent traditional music, study, the local ecology, marine biology and this west Kerry landscape. The Harp for the cultural aspect, the Book, for studies and the shell to represent the marine biology as well as a link to all the pilgrimages taken to and from this part of the world.

My inspiration for the glass-work comes from years of studying stained glass in many cathedrals and churches across the UK and Europe. As well as studying the amazing Harry Clarke windows in An Diseart, which for me seem to be the most important set of his works in all Ireland.