And all afternoon I listened to the voices of the river talking.
Whenever the water struck the stone it had something to say, And the water itself, and even the mosses trailing under the water. And slowly, very slowly, it became clear to me what they were saying. Said the river: I am part of holiness. And I too, said the stone. And I too, whispered The moss beneath the water. -excerpt from ‘At The River Clarion’ by Mary Oliver |
uNkulunkulukazi wamanzi means ‘Water Goddess’. The goddess in this sculpture cups within her palm the eggs of the jacana bird. The African jacana has long claws which make it able to walk on lily pads. This is where it lays its eggs, out on the water. She is an image both at once universal and specific, highlighting the commonality among cultures, especially feminine interpretations of spiritual beliefs.
Title: 'Surrender to the Storm'
Bronze on wood 82cm x 32cm x 24cm Limited edition: /9 Price: R 45 000 The figure in the rowboat rests at the crest of the wave, at the moment before surrender. Her tiny oars are futile against the power of the ocean. This sculpture depicts the moment she accepts that which it is out of her control. It holds terror but also relief. The giant sea creatures beneath hint at the mystery that lies in the depths of the unknown. Surrender brings danger, but also promises magic.
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archangels
The sighting of a magnificent wild creature can resemble a visitation from a spiritual being. I believe the energy of angelic beings can take a corporeal form that is still wild, still removed from everyday life, untouchable but deeply felt.
Archangel Michael takes the form of a secretary bird. The chief of angels carries a sword and uses it with deadly force, as does the secretary bird as he slays the snake in the grass.
Archangel Uriel, the angel of wisdom, truth, and light, takes the form of a barn owl. The barn owl spreads its wings as it hones in on its prey, startling small creatures with the moonlight that reflects off its white feathers. Archangel Raphael takes the form of an African fish eagle. Known for its haunting cry, this bird is also seen near water, which symbolizes healing and emotions. Raphael is also traditionally depicted with a fish. Archangel Gabriel takes the form of a lammergeier, the bearded vulture. This bird is known for dropping bones onto rocks to split them open and expose the marrow. Gabriel is God's messenger, bringing the answers we need in the same way a sangoma throws the bones to divine messages from the other world. |