Aspire

As you trudge the ragged path of time

Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.
Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.
Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.
Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.
Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.
Clay and canvas sculpture of a female figure gazing upwards, wearing windswept, ragged clothes.

2025 Air-hardening clay, canvas and acrylic paint on oak dowel and beechwood plinth

'Aspire' is the first of my works to explore the use of textiles as a means of expressing emotion or a particular state of mind. The worn, wind-ravaged appearance of the figure's dress and coat are an indication, not only of her position or status along 'the ragged path of time', but also her attitude towards ageing and missed opportunity.

My poem of the same name developed alongside the piece, and serves to encourage the figure to disregard her advancing years, and rediscover her capacity to aspire towards fulfilment.

Aspire

Pause awhile...
As you trudge the ragged path of time.
Gaze starward,
Where your windswept dreams still shine.