Iris Playing with Clouds

This was my 1st bronze. A workshop we had at Technikon Natal. We made a hollow wax sculpture and then took it through the casting process. A hands on experience which sealed my interest in making bronze sculptures.

The title of this sculpture was originally ‘I am playing with Clouds’. But in a group exhibition at the NSA Gallery (now the KZNSA Gallery) in Durban, the gallery assistant miss read my (likely very questionable) hand writing.  And re-titled it. I just loved this new title back then, but never realy considered why.

The Goddess Iris was often depicted with wings in ancient and recent artworks. She is the goddess of the rainbow, and she also serves nectar to the goddesses and gods to drink. Iris is also known as one of the goddesses of the sea and the sky. She links the gods to humanity and travels with the speed of wind from one end of the world to the other and into the depths of the sea and the underworld.

Now looking back, I see Iris in my contemporary works. She is everywhere. Exploring the undergrowth of the forest, the sky with the birds. She has wings of birds. She embodies both the earth and the spirit, she is humanity and the unexplainable force of life. The very things I have been exploring all these years without realising the connection. Have a look at the ‘Journey’ exhibition 2020 artworks to see some of these themes continued – click here.

Bronze and Jacaranda wood | approx 45cm high | 1989 | Exhibition: Student Artworks