Mission Peak's Spiritual Portrait

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The Symbolism of Mission Peak's Spiritual Portrait

A symbol is the representation of a larger idea. The visual symbol reduces emotions and ideas to a pictorial metaphorical concept in the same way poetry minimalizes words but simultaneously expands and colors their meaning, suggesting or revealing the hidden. Music does the same to evoke a range of emotions with a few well-chosen notes.

THE STYLE of large, brushy, loose, free, Zen strokes are intentional to express the uncontrolled freedom of spiritual self-expression that is a foundation of Unitarian Universalism. By being less rigid or formal, they give life to the art.

THE CIRCLE represents the wholeness of self (individuation, according to Carl G. Jung), the world (and its quadrants), and the universe (and its infinite unlimited space). It is the first symbol of spiritual significance, used in cultures around the world, as seen in mandalas and cave paintings.

THE OPPOSITE HALVES (colored or dark and uncolored or light) are the united pairs or undifferentiated pairs of opposites: male/female, hot/cold, wet/dry, good/bad, Yin/Yang. The opposite opinions that show us different points of view (also a half circule chalice) and expand us through unity and integration and acceptance of differences in life.

THE FLAME is the sun, the eternal flame rising over the mountain, and also the energy of the congregation.

THE MOUNTAIN is the goal, the work, the way, the obstacles, and the hope-solid, perpetual, and eternal. Climbing mountains is hard work but rewards us with an unobstructed view.

THE MISSION STATEMENT dancing along the ridge line, traveling the path with a cheerful positive attitude, is the spirit of the congregation. (This is the attitude I have observed with awe since first coming to MPUUC.)

THE RAINBOW is the Welcoming Congregation and the diversity of all. It also suggests the pot of gold and that rain is necessary. (I bought a T-shirt in Hawaii that says, "no rain, no rainbows.")

Note From the Artist

IN THE BEGINNING...when Ursel Bloxsom first asked me if I would like to design a logo for MPUUC, it was easy to say yes. I already felt strongly about the contribution MPUUC had made, by my desire for community and a place to express my eclectic palette of spiritual practices and studies from the east and the west.

The name Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation was also a good starting point for inspiration. Mission Peak (the mountain) is visible from our home and a place I spend a great deal of time exploring with my husband David. Nature plays a big part of our mutual spiritual practice.

...And I already saw the need for a public sysmbol that would represent the uniqueness of MPUUC. I asked Ursel for a few hours to see if the inner intuitive vision would flow through me and out to the page. It did so easily that I knew the design was right. I hope you will come to feel the same way.

Thank you for honoring and trusting me by allowing me to be the artist and shaman for Mission Peak's spiritual portrait.

Barbara Pendergrass

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