Hands & Feet Project

So, here I am, starting my project for "Stations of the Cross" this Easter. Stations of the Cross is an art installation our community is doing this year.

I hope to be doing station 7 - Simon of Cyrene carry's the cross. The bible speaks about this act three times (in Matthew, Mark & Luke). It has been interesting researching him, as not a lot is known about him. He was a bystander, chosen (forced) by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross, after He collapsed unable to carry it any further.

Matthew 27:32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.

Mark 15:21 A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)

Luke 23:26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

My concept was birthed at church on Sunday (see this post) and revolved around hands & feet representing what Christ did for us and what we are compelled to do in return.

A few brain-storming ideas:-
* Hands & Feet represent service (Simon carrying the cross).
* Jesus’ Hands & Feet were pierced.
* We are called to be His Hand’s and Feet (going about His business).
* I am thinking a pile of empty drink can’s representing us (we can feel discard able & empty). Some are battered, crushed – but represent us (followers of Christ) who are called to serve and be Jesus to others. There is some feeling of being compelled to serve God in this way – just like Simon was forced to carry the cross. We can no longer remain passive “passer-by’s”, action is required.
* The concept of the cans is also an interactive one – whereas the viewer is required (need I say it – compelled) to pick them up and take a look making it a tactile station.
* The cans will have 1-3 word statements on them relating to Simon of Cyrene and the verses above.
* Stenciled images of hands, feet, crosses speak of the subject of service - DOING!

I got the idea of art on discarded drink cans from the art of Rik Catlow, although mine is definitely not as good as his - it is a tribute to the idea of using recycled items as canvas.

I will let you all know the times/dates the stations of the cross installation will be open later - I hope that you might take this opportunity to spend easter in contemplation of what has been done for us.