9 Oct. - Winchester

 Image: Winchester Cathedral west window (detail)

Wisdom, beauty, utility, grace - art + craft + power + what it is to be great.
Winchester inspires whilst asking us also to question much we aspire to.
Aelfred acquired renown (+ an appellation) for his greatness - but what drove, + drives still, the dedication or passion of all those whose toil we witnessed today?
The populace rebuilding, from salvaged fragments, the great west window of the cathedral.
The scribes toiling to complete the text + illuminations for the Winchester Bible.
The many artisans contributing to the Norman/Roman construction of the original building + then its subsequent English Gothic re-making.
And Antony Gormley capturing, with such bold + simple assurance, the many qualities of being human in clean form + honest materials.
Through creation, we not only gift to others but also craft our own being - our very self is given life.

Notes: Our was only a brief stop in Winchester but, knowing its story, the cathedral's west window is by far the most powerfully beautiful I have yet experienced the joy of viewing. Be sure to also admire the glorious statue of Aelfred - proud and strong.