Solitude

For the air is sweet with silence

Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.
Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.
Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.
Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.
Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.
Clay sculpture of a female figure with hands gently placed on chest, surrounded by wire netting.

2024 Air-hardening clay, wire netting and acrylic paint on beechwood plinth

'Solitude' explores the need for a period of quiet reflection, as a means of de-stressing and replenishing energy, following a challenging day.

As with many of my sculptures, poetry played an important part in the development of this piece. Both the poem and the piece progressed in parallel, each inspiring the other, determining certain sculptural decisions, along with the corresponding poetic stance. This way of working enables me to delve further, with a view to expanding the depth of expression in my work.


Solitude

Breath deeply,
For the air is sweet with silence.
Day dims
And the wilful storm unwinds.
It's time now...
To close your eyes to burden,
Then watch the pale light
Brighten in your mind.
And listen...
There are whispers in the silence,
Of visions, aims and joys
You've yet to see.
As one now,
With the stillness that enfolds you,
You're who you are,
And all you strive to be.