Emanuel

This wood carving was made for Christmas. The figures of Mary and Jesus  are entirely made of split sycamore logs from a pile of fire wood. These have been spliced together and carved to shape. The ball is made of a branch of sycamore and the palanquin of soft pine and plywood. On completion the sculpture was left out in the weather to deteriorate and split. The idea was to imbue the carving with a sense of humility by using humble materials and being careless with the sculpture This is in contrast with its subject, the greatest event in history, the birth of Christ. There is a sense of giving and joy in the movement of the sculpture that also contrasts with its apparent humility. When exhibited viewers are invited to pin prayers and comments to the figure and these become part of its meaning at that time.