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Story behind the artwork

The first piece I created in my blacksmithing workshop was a statue of Jesus. I didn't make it with any exceptional technological or technical intent. I created it for a different reason.

When I was starting out with blacksmithing and decided to open my own workshop, I had no prior blacksmithing experience. I was told that I couldn't do it, that I simply wasn't a blacksmith, and so on.

So, when I decided to open the workshop here in England, the first thing that came to mind for my inaugural work was the statue of Jesus. I'm not religious, and I don't want to compare myself to Jesus in any way. However, it felt like a symbol—a symbol that you should fight for what you believe in. If you want to do something, go after it, regardless of what people tell you when they say you can't. For me, this statue symbolizes that if you have a dream and believe in something, don't give up and pursue it, no matter what anyone says.

After completing the statue in 2008, right at the beginning of opening the workshop, I felt like I was on the right path and that I should be doing blacksmithing. Although the beginnings were very difficult, I had no doubts. I knew 100% that this was my path.

Later, I think it was in 2010, when I moved my workshop to the village of Barton near Cambridge, I decided to donate the statue. I gave it to the local church, which is right opposite my workshop. I believe that when a piece of work is created, it should be shared with people.

I can't say I'm a successful artist because I mainly do artistic commissions for clients. I haven't sold anything as free art yet. I donated the statue of Jesus to the local people in the village who care for the church and attend it. I specifically wanted to dedicate the work to these people because the statue, for me, symbolizes not giving up on your goals and dreams, which was the underlying idea that drove me.

Of course, the entire donation process had to be officially approved by higher church officials, who accepted the gift. It is now placed in the church in Barton, which was the greatest satisfaction for me.

After some time, maybe a few weeks or months, I met a local lady who attends the church. She thanked me for the gift and told me that whenever she prays in the church, she looks at the statue and feels like it gives her strength.

For me, that is probably the greatest fulfillment an artist can receive for their work. That's why I believe the statue was donated to the right people. I feel that a work of art should be for others, so that the feeling for which the piece was created can be shared with them or help them in some way.

If you are interested, I believe the statue is still displayed in that church.

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