Artist Statement: The word reliquary comes from the French word reliquaire, meaning “a receptacle, such as a shrine or altar, for keeping and displaying sacred objects. They could be made from metal or carved wood, often based on an architectural design, such as a church with a pitched roof or a Gothic style church window. They held precious stones, pictures, crucifixes and religious relics and were used as personal prayer altars.

This reliquary is inspired by John 2:1-11, where Jesus of Nazareth took time out to attend a wedding feast in the village of Cana, with his mother, Mary, and his first few disciples. When the wine ran out at the wedding in Cana, Mary turned to Jesus and said: "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2:3-5, NIV)Nearby were six stone jars filled with water used for ceremonial washing. Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water. He ordered them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet, who was in charge of food and drink. The steward was astounded. He took the bride and groom aside and complimented them. Most couples served the best wine first, he said, then brought out cheaper wine after the guests had too much to drink and would not notice. "You have saved the best till now," he told them (John 2:10, NIV).