Description
Wisdom Soph(ia) is a compelling unique bronze sculpture created in 2021, a work that radiates a profound sense of inner knowing and spiritual groundedness. Standing at a significant height of 42.5 cm and possessing a substantial weight of 13.7 kg, its physical presence is matched by its thematic depth. The sculpture is finished with a nuanced patina, characteristic of Jos Steenkamp’s bronze work, likely exhibiting a rich interplay of dark umbers and subtle bronze highlights that accentuate its finely sculpted planes, particularly the serene, knowing expression of the face and the dynamic yet gentle cascade of the form that veils a part of the visage. This careful treatment of the bronze surface enhances both the visual and tactile invitation of the piece, lending it an aura of ancient, almost sacred, wisdom.
The very title, Wisdom Soph(ia), invokes the classical and Gnostic understanding of Sophia as divine feminine wisdom, a guiding spiritual principle. The artist’s accompanying words affirm this, stating, The Wisdom Soph(ia) Sculpture symbolizes groundedness in Spirit. Manifesting purpose is a reciprocal outflow of this connection affirming that experience of the external world is a mere reflection of the internal world. This piece is thus not just a representation, but an embodiment of the journey towards enlightenment through reconnection with this indwelling sagacity, a path that opens the door to gratitude, compassion & inclusivity.
The creator of this insightful sculpture is Jos Steenkamp (SA 1957), an artist whose creative output is inextricably linked to his long and distinguished career as Dr Jo Steenkamp, a Clinical Psychologist in Pretoria. Dr Steenkamp, who obtained his doctorate in Psychology in 1991, is the originator of the influential SHIP® (Spontaneous Healing Intra, systemic Process) psychotherapeutic method. For nearly four decades, his professional life has been devoted to fostering the spontaneous healing of trauma and understanding the psycho, biological mechanisms that regulate internal dis, ease. His founding of The SHIP® Foundation in 2001, where he continues his work as CEO and principal trainer, stands as a testament to his dedication to transforming lives. Dr Steenkamp is also a respected author and a frequent voice at academic institutions and international conferences. His decision to return to the sculpting studio in 2021, after a 22 year period focused on SHIP®, was a pivotal “coming home.” This return allowed him to fully integrate his profound psychological insights with the intuitive, form giving process of sculpture, a passion that had its genesis when he was just sixteen.
Wisdom Soph(ia) beautifully exemplifies this integration of psychological depth and artistic expression. The sculpture’s emphasis on the “internal world” as the source from which external reality is reflected directly mirrors core principles of depth psychology and the therapeutic journey facilitated by SHIP®. The process of “reconnection” that the sculpture champions, leading to gratitude, compassion, inclusivity, and ultimately enlightenment, is central to the healing of trauma and the attainment of psychological wholeness that Dr Steenkamp’s work addresses.
The serene, centred expression of Soph(ia) can be seen as the ultimate outcome of such a journey: a state of being that is fully present, integrated, and grounded in Spirit. Jos Steenkamp, Dr Steenkamp’s artistic identity, speaks of his sculptures as vessels of relational energy, each piece emerging from an intuitive interplay of the conscious and unconscious. Wisdom Soph(ia) powerfully embodies this, inviting the viewer into a contemplative exchange, to reflect on their own internal state and their connection to a deeper wisdom. The figure, partly veiled, suggests that wisdom is not always fully revealed at first glance but unfolds through introspection and a willingness to engage with both the known and the mysterious aspects of the self. This sculpture is a profound statement on the transformative power of looking inward, a guidepost created from the artist’s life long dedication to healing and the pursuit of authentic, spiritually grounded living. It affirms that true purpose and enlightenment are not sought externally but are manifested from a wellspring of inner connection.
Artist: Jos Steenkamp (SA1957)
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