WE ARE ONE
We Are One
For those of you who may not have been to church lately, you’ve not seen the incredibly beautiful statue that’s standing out front. For those who have seen it, think about spending some time with it. Deborah Grebenar, the artist/sculptor, created this beautiful piece of work just for The Denver Church. In its creation, she wanted to convey the idea that people need to see their connection to God, their community, themselves—they need to let go of their illusion that we’re all separate. In fact, Rev. Jim has named it “We Are One” to reflect that intent.
Deborah’s inspiration came while she created a small, 18-inch high commission piece for a well-known artist and his wife from Springdale, UT, and thought about doing a similar, but larger version for DCRS. When she did the maquette (small model), it seemed too closed in—not enough ‘breathing room.’ She felt that the DCRS sculpture needed to be more open. So, she just cut the maquette down the middle. It opened up to form both the V-shape of the Religious Science symbol and the two figures creating a heart together.
In viewing the two figures’ hands, look to see if you have the sense of support that Deb intended. Not only are people supported by this community, they are also welcomed by the welcomer. In looking at the clasped hands, see that they are both in equal support with the other. So, not only are you supported, you are supporting, which has always been the premise of DCRS towards each of us, towards groups and to the community.
Also, walk around the sculpture and you’ll see characteristics of both genders in each figure. Deb’s intention is to allow both figures to be seen as either male, female, or both at the same time. And the next time you are leaving the church, look through the back of the sculpture. Deb says that there is a “seed of light”—that space between the two arms of the figures.
Deb was so grateful for the time, effort and care that Mike Zagar and his crew took to create the base for the sculpture, and then, in placing the sculpture on that base. It was amazing to see how many people stepped in with trucks, sweat, ingenuity, calculation and effort to figure out the best way to perfectly place the statue. Everybody’s vision is what made it work, which is what the sculpture is about. Everyone was 100% focused, their energy was aligned, they listened to each other, and finding perfect placement, they made it happen.
Another thing you may not know is that there are rocks that were filled up with love and oneness by the children of Children’s Church and were placed in the base of the statue while it was being poured. These rocks came from the alter in Children’s Church that was started when Sandra Erwin first became director nearly four years ago. Not only do those rocks hold love and oneness, they are there to represent the earth and to remind us that we’re part of it.
So, mountains of gratitude to all who helped create the design; make and pour the cement for the base; place the sculpture on the base; and most of all, to Deb for her beautiful and unique vision. The sculpture couldn’t be more perfect for our DCRS home. Many thanks to Mike Zagar, Jeff Golden, Doug Nutter, Jim Parks, Rob Johnson, Jim Erickson, Laurie Trimboli, and Pam Babjack. And to the many others who willingly stepped up to help, we apologize that we didn’t get your names. Thank you for everything!
Not only does Deb create beautiful sculptures as a business, she also teaches classes. If you’re interested in co-creating a sculpture or just want to talk about art, call her at 303-759-8836. Also, this sculpture is featured at Deb’s website www.debgrebenar.blogspot.com, along with many of her other creations.
For those of you who may not have been to church lately, you’ve not seen the incredibly beautiful statue that’s standing out front. For those who have seen it, think about spending some time with it. Deborah Grebenar, the artist/sculptor, created this beautiful piece of work just for The Denver Church. In its creation, she wanted to convey the idea that people need to see their connection to God, their community, themselves—they need to let go of their illusion that we’re all separate. In fact, Rev. Jim has named it “We Are One” to reflect that intent.
Deborah’s inspiration came while she created a small, 18-inch high commission piece for a well-known artist and his wife from Springdale, UT, and thought about doing a similar, but larger version for DCRS. When she did the maquette (small model), it seemed too closed in—not enough ‘breathing room.’ She felt that the DCRS sculpture needed to be more open. So, she just cut the maquette down the middle. It opened up to form both the V-shape of the Religious Science symbol and the two figures creating a heart together.
In viewing the two figures’ hands, look to see if you have the sense of support that Deb intended. Not only are people supported by this community, they are also welcomed by the welcomer. In looking at the clasped hands, see that they are both in equal support with the other. So, not only are you supported, you are supporting, which has always been the premise of DCRS towards each of us, towards groups and to the community.
Also, walk around the sculpture and you’ll see characteristics of both genders in each figure. Deb’s intention is to allow both figures to be seen as either male, female, or both at the same time. And the next time you are leaving the church, look through the back of the sculpture. Deb says that there is a “seed of light”—that space between the two arms of the figures.
Deb was so grateful for the time, effort and care that Mike Zagar and his crew took to create the base for the sculpture, and then, in placing the sculpture on that base. It was amazing to see how many people stepped in with trucks, sweat, ingenuity, calculation and effort to figure out the best way to perfectly place the statue. Everybody’s vision is what made it work, which is what the sculpture is about. Everyone was 100% focused, their energy was aligned, they listened to each other, and finding perfect placement, they made it happen.
Another thing you may not know is that there are rocks that were filled up with love and oneness by the children of Children’s Church and were placed in the base of the statue while it was being poured. These rocks came from the alter in Children’s Church that was started when Sandra Erwin first became director nearly four years ago. Not only do those rocks hold love and oneness, they are there to represent the earth and to remind us that we’re part of it.
So, mountains of gratitude to all who helped create the design; make and pour the cement for the base; place the sculpture on the base; and most of all, to Deb for her beautiful and unique vision. The sculpture couldn’t be more perfect for our DCRS home. Many thanks to Mike Zagar, Jeff Golden, Doug Nutter, Jim Parks, Rob Johnson, Jim Erickson, Laurie Trimboli, and Pam Babjack. And to the many others who willingly stepped up to help, we apologize that we didn’t get your names. Thank you for everything!
Not only does Deb create beautiful sculptures as a business, she also teaches classes. If you’re interested in co-creating a sculpture or just want to talk about art, call her at 303-759-8836. Also, this sculpture is featured at Deb’s website www.debgrebenar.blogspot.com, along with many of her other creations.
article from Denver Church of Religious Science newsletter
PACA MAMA
Spirit Lake, CA
Paca Mama graces the entrance to a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in northern California.
Her arms are open in welcoming and blessing.
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