Resurrection

Type of Art

Sculpture

Creator

• Stephen Wilson

Preview

Creation Date

2015

Description

Panel 3 of a triptych of stained glass windows. Dedicated to Susannah Richard (1962-2014), who was employed as the School of Dentistry Art Director from 2006 until her death from cancer.

Biographical Information

Resurrection is the creation of Louisiana-born artist Stephen Wilson, who now resides in Baton Rouge. Through the insights and guidance of Susannah Stacey Richard's family and Dr. Henry Gremillion, dean of the LSUHSC School of Dentistry, Wilson created these beautiful stained glass windows as a memorial to her life. The piece is an analogy of two tales. First and foremost, the battle Susannah had with cancer for over two decades and how she overcame the challenges associated with the illness. It also correlates to the devastation and subsequent rebuilding of the city and the school following Hurricane Katrina. Susannah was hired shortly after Katrina flooded the school and served alongside faculty and staff during the arduous rebuilding process.

The first panel, Storm, represents the chaotic and difficult trials everyone faces at some point in life. Susannah faced the severe trial of enduring a debilitating illness for most of her adult life. Storm also represents the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina to the city and to the school.

The middle panel, Struggle, depicts the southern "iris fulva" or the "copper iris" that appears as in deep water, attempting to stay above it all. As Susannah was a beautiful redhead, this particular iris, a "fleur de lys," not only symbolizes New Orleans, but her person specifically, her struggle and resilience, rising above the chaos after her diagnosis and learning to live gracefully with the pain and uncertainty that followed. This lovely southern iris, often cultivated in swampy or moist wildflower gardens, also exemplifies the instances of grace and courage that flourished in the "wild and uncertain" atmosphere during the rebuilding of the city and the school following the storm. The infractions of light in the upper part of the piece represent the cosmos or universe, which reminds us that we are all part of a greater story that transcends time and space.

The final panel, Resurrection, symbolizes our enduring belief that the end is not truly an end, but a new beginning. Although Susannah is no longer with us, her spirit endures forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. The LSUHSC School of Dentistry, in the midst of a city revived, has also experienced a resurrection, rebounding splendidly from Hurricane Katrina. Its faculty, staff and students are enjoying the many renovations that followed the storm and are experiencing a stronger, more cohesive community.

Historical Information

Installed 2015

Size

38"x68"

Physical Location

4th floor Breezeway between Dental Administration and Clinic Buildings

Date at Location

7-16-2026