Designing a Paschal Candle- by Guest Blogger Ingrid Lee

Easter for me is a time of reflection, it's a really special time and place where I can go within myself and make that connection to God within and truly explore the spirit of Lent and Easter. I usually do the flower arranging in our Church at St Jude's Parish for Holy Thursday, using the white roses and other Australian Native flowers around the parish, which I really enjoy. But last year I was really honored when I was asked to paint the Paschal candle.

Here was the design I made for last year's Paschal candle:

How I painted the candle:
I didn't seal the candle, or mix the paint with candle medium, I just painted straight onto the candle with acrylic paints. I used a stylus tool to freehand draw or inscribe the design into the wax, so that I could see the designs. I under painted everything in gold paint to create a rich colour that would show through the layers of paint. The style of artwork on the hands was more graphic so that you could see the details of the hands from the back of the church (of course I wanted everyone to see it!!).

What does the artwork mean?
The overall idea of the candle was to express of all Easter's significance for me in the limited area of work of a pillar candle! This was certainly a challenge because of the limited workspace! All of the detail work in the painting was completed in purple, a significant colour of Easter.

At the very top of the candle I'd painted the verse "We Lift up our Hearts, " which pretty much summed up the meaning of the artwork...while we accept the bread of Christ, we offer our hearts and consciousness to Christ during this time of Lent, right through to the celebration of Easter Sunday.

The base of the painted candle was completed with the Easter flower of white Lilies, the hands are offering the sacred heart,and the cross symbolising Easter 2010, represents the joy and celebration of Easter.

This was certainly an enjoyable and fulfilling artwork for me to complete. I've really enjoyed sharing this artwork with you, and hopefully it may inspire you to express your meaning of Easter on your own candles for your centre pieces or paschal candle at home or church.

Ingrid Lee is an artist, writer and educator about finding and exploring everyday creativity through art, porcelain painting, baking, embroidery and sharing the artworks of other inspiring people. Join her creative and inspiring adventures at Ingrid Creates.
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