Description
Here, within the Easter Chicks series, Embrace of Stillness draws the viewer into a deeply personal moment of quietude. The figure is curled, held gently within the ovoid form, suggesting a profound sense of safety and introspection. It speaks to that universal human need for a sanctuary, a place where the soul can retreat and simply be, untouched by the clamour of the outside world.
The emotion conveyed is one of serene surrender, a peaceful yielding to the unconscious. There’s a palpable sense of calm, a stillness that is not empty but full of latent potential, like a seed awaiting its moment to sprout. The very posture of the figure, enfolded and secure, evokes a feeling of being utterly cherished and protected, a return to a primal state of being.
The rich, warm tones of the bronze lend a tactile quality to the piece, inviting the touch, yet also conveying an ancient, enduring strength. The polished highlights on the figure’s form contrast beautifully with the darker, more mysterious patina of the surrounding egg like shell. This interplay of light and shadow, this chiaroscuro effect, enhances the sculpture’s three dimensionality and underscores the theme of an inner world, a hidden sanctum. The warm bronze glows with an inner life, while the darker surrounding form provides a comforting, womb like depth, a visual hush.
Embrace of Stillness is more than a sculpture, it is an invitation to pause, to reflect on our own inner landscapes, and to acknowledge the profound power and beauty found in quiet contemplation and the safety of our innermost selves.
About the Artist: Joyce Carreira, a celebrated Pretoria based South African artist, has been captivated by the arts since youth. After studies at Pro Arte High School and the University of Pretoria, she enriched her vision through European and African travels. Joyce shared her passion as an art educator before dedicating herself fully to her art in 2003. Known for her elegant and sensuous sculptures celebrating the human form, particularly the feminine spirit, she blends technical mastery with a playful humour. Her work tells stories, often drawing from mythology, to evoke wonder and imagination, positioning her as a significant voice in South African sculpture.
Artist: Joyce Carreira (SA1972)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.