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Nunc Dimittis

 Nunc Dimittis

1983, four panels each 32"x48", oiled red oak
collection of Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids MN

Commissioned by Faith Lutheran and dedicated to my grandfather, Torkel Sheie, who gave us the gift of craftsmanship and a love and appreciation for wood.  Born in Orteland/Mandal, Norway, he emigrated to the US and lived the remainder of his years on Staten Island NY, where he worked for the ferry system and ran his own business building skis in the shop behind the house.  The shop was magical:  full of raw wood, dry wood, hand tools, old ski posters from Norway and Europe, power tools, ski-building machines that he made himself.. we spend hours in there, and the smell of hickory and ash floods those memories back to this day.

It took a little courage to decide to cut through the oak around each image, exposing the wall behind.  It sets each one apart, and I'm glad I did it that way.  The first panel uses the image of the 'suffering servant,' not only the Christ-figure, but a theme that pervades the Old Testament as well.

The second 'fish' panel calls up many images--loaves and fishes as Jesus feeds the five thousand.. Jesus greeting the disciples on the beach and feeding them.. and his command to leave the nets and become fishers of men.. and women.


'Eyes' have seen the whirling planets, the sun moon and stars of creation, called into being by the Creator, the Word.. blind Simeon finally able to rest now that the promises have been fulfilled.



'Your salvation'.  That we have been built into a spiritual house, and the Christ patiently explains that He is the vine and we are the branches, called to bear fruit.

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