Mae Runions

Stoles

My work on the stoles has been some of the most rewarding – and challenging.  My theology and devotion became deeply embedded as I struggled with the intensity of ideas, traditions and techniques. Liturgical vestments are an important part of the formal Christian worship experience.  Because in their use they are close to hand and eye and heart, they affect us deeply. A stole in particular can have a personal expression.  In my work, I always sought to express traditional theological ideas and symbolisms alongside the deep personal visions and devotion of each priest in ministry. The origin of the stole was to symbolize the role of servanthood of the priest or deacon.  It is thought to be derived from the towel with which Jesus clothed himself when he washed his disciples’ feet on the night of his betrayal.

I did 30 some stoles over the years, each one individually designed for the clergy person involved. Each time a stole was requested, we would set a visit in my studio to talk about personal ideas, theology and experience.  These times were both inspiring and challenging – and left me feeling humbly in great need of divine inspiration. For some of the clergy I did one, two, or three stoles, but for others, I did complete sets of 5, one for each Season of the Church Calendar.  For one clergy person, I did 5 deacon stoles, then later on 5 clergy stoles, all in the detailed Celtic style.  

The seasons/colors:

     Royal Blue for Advent - the 4 weeks of preparation for Christmas

     White and Gold – for Christmas, Easter, weddings and funerals

     Purple - for Lent, the 40 days of preparation for Easter

     Red – for Pentecost Sunday and Saints’ Days

     Green – for Trinity Season or the ongoing Pentecost through to Advent.

Each stole carried symbols from the season along with the personal interpretations and background of the person I worked it for. Looking back, I give thanks for the great privilege of working with these amazing Spirit inspired men and women devoted to God in ministry.

The Frame:

These designs were mostly too small to work in miniature, so I usually drew them right to size. This frame contains an amalgam of sample stitcheries done as I worked out designs, mixed with fragments of photos of the finished pieces. This is just a little expression of the diversity, challenge, and meanings of these pieces.