As artists we are always interpreting the world around us and this is never truer for me than when I am creating sculptures. As I work the clay, I start to feel the sculpture revealing itself to me. The series that I am working on now, my woman sculptures are all about celebrating women’s nurturing, love and compassion…something the world and its inhabitants need more of.
A few days ago I read about Victoria Soto’s heroic response to madness that ended with her life being lost but the children in her care being saved by her strength. As I have been working on this piece I have been thinking of her, the protector, harbouring her children from harm…this is my tribute to her.
Teddy McCrea
As the photographer that shoots Mary’s work I am fortunate enough to hear the about what inspires Mary creatively, and when Mary explained the emotion behind this piece it stopped me in my tracks. This is already and amazing piece of art and I look forward to seeing it evolve. Mary – I hope you put this into writing what you explained to me around the inspiration and your vision behind this tribute to Victoria Soto. All I can say is “Wow” I do not think I have ever looked at a sculpture that has that kind of emotion and meaning before.
An emotional and amazing piece. Maybe it also represents Canada’s arm around its troubled neighbour’s shoulder in a time of deep crisis and soul-searching. In the end, Victoria Soto protected her schoolchildren like they were her own and paid the ultimate price. Thanks you for this, Mary.