'Guiding Light'

Student Reflection

My artwork is inspired by the scripture passage ‘Journey of the Magi’ (Matthew 2:9-12). Guiding Light is a stained-glass lantern with four panels that illuminate this scripture verse. “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy”. Just as the star led the Wise Men, this artwork captures the sense of wonder and divine direction.

I deliberately chose to depict my artwork on a lantern as a lantern's literal purpose is to provide light, to illuminate darkness, and to guide a path just as the star did for the Magi. A lantern is a tool for navigation, safety, and visibility. It is symbolic of the constant direction God provides for us in our life. The first panel shows the initial sighting of the star, a radiant point of light against a deep sky. The vibrant colours evoke the anticipation and joy that set the Magi on their path. The other panels depict each of the Wise Men with their gifts to the new born baby Jesus. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are rendered in shimmering glass, symbolising the deep reverence of their offerings. As light shines through each panel, the colours dance and merge, reminding us that faith can illuminate even the darkest paths and that a single "guiding light" can lead to profound truth.