FIRST LIFE EMERGING FROM THE SEA

by Sue Kafka-Ellis, who writes:

‘This shape was first carved in soapstone in 1997, my response as an artist to the social and political turmoil in Africa at the time.

‘The form is influenced in part by early childhood memories of being taken to see bushmen paintings on the balancing rocks in Zimbabwe. I later learned about bronze casting techniques while working at the Herbich foundry in Bavaria, and this version was cast in 2004.

‘My interest in the development of human potential, together with my Christian faith and my personal experiences as both a Steiner teacher and mother, underline the theme of 'emergence'.’

How does this sculpture speak to you?

How do you think it relates to the theme of new birth at Christmas?