Graham wanted a design that reflected family, was different, and something substantial (it is 1.2 metres tall and weighs over 350kgs).

I love flowing lines, smooth surfaces and sharp edges for shadow, and brought all 3 elements together in this design. We placed it on a base to give it a little more height (took some thinking to lift a 350kg sculpture with fragile sharp edges).

The design depicts mum at the front, dad in the middle and the four children at the back. I wanted many layers but coming together as a family unit. I've heard a number of different interpretations like a flame, a shell, or a flower bud...but to me, particularly while I worked on it, it was always the embrace of a family.

 

 

Brett Keno
New Zealand Stone Carving Artist and Sculptor

December 2014