Artist Eric Baker creates art piece for Foundation Legacy Society
June 2022 (Tidings magazine) - Eric Baker feels honored to create a work that will honor the members of the Legacy Society of First Presbyterian. And, the trustees feel honored he is sharing his spiritual gifts to create a gift for generations to come.
As he tells his story, he was introduced to the kiln-forming of glass (using great heat to fuse, bend and manipulate the material) as a means of artistic expression in the early 2000s, when he was going through a major upheaval in his life’s trajectory. He explains he was drawn to glass’ versatility, its ability to be strong enough to be used as a barrier between the outside and the inside, literally and figuratively, between the storms and rains of life on one side of the window, and the dry and the safe space on the interior.
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me … that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”
– John 15:1-2
Eric went on to attend several classes at the renowned Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in 2003 and 2004, surrounded by amazing art and teachers and students from many different countries and cultures, he was inspired to begin combining glass with steel to express his own love and fascination with botanical shape and form. Thus began his life’s work … the endeavor to create a body of colorful sculptures that would impart joy and encouragement to all who might see them.
When he was approached by Holbrook Lawson, chair of the First Church Tulsa Foundation Trustees, he received the opportunity to create a vine made of glass and steel which seemed to be a natural extension of that hope. His own Christian faith and upbringing aligns closely with First Presbyterian’s mission in the community. Eric uses the passage selected by the trustees in the book of John Chapter 15 as inspiration. “Jesus’ encouragement to remain fruitful in a lifelong pursuit of keeping God’s commands, along with the challenge to love other people as He loved us, is truly a worthy struggle,” said Eric.
Looking at installing this remarkable piece in August, Eric hopes his sculptural work will be inspiring to the congregants and guests of the church. “I am honored to have a creation of mine join the long and celebrated history of the First Presbyterian Church. From the “I AMs” to the nave windows and to the Good Shepherd window, the use of glass to further the tradition of instilling hope and the teaching of the Good News is a legacy of love. May my work be an addition to that great cause.”
Foundation donors' names will be engraved on the leaves of the sculpture.
About the author:
Katie Williams is a child of the church and currently serving as the Foundation Director for First Presbyterian. She loves to tell your story.