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Story behind the artwork

The journey of this sculpture is a reminder of the strange way inspiration works. It began with an invitation to design a public monument for a roundabout in Suffolk, centered on the theme of vulnerability during the pandemic. At first, I ignored the call. Like many artists, I often receive "opportunities" from galleries that aren't fair—they ask for money just to look at your work or expect you to work for a "good feeling" rather than a professional fee.

I looked at the budget and the strict health and safety requirements for a 3.5-meter public work and decided it wasn't worth my time. I didn't even reply. I have a mortgage and bills; I cannot afford to spend weeks drawing and planning for free. I chose to stay focused on my own work instead.

But early in January, the organizers called me directly. They asked if I was going to submit something. I told them honestly that the budget was too low for a serious piece of art and that artists shouldn't be expected to work for nothing. I didn't promise them anything.

Then, a week before the deadline, I woke up in the middle of the night. An image flashed into my mind—not a sketch, but a finished sculpture, clear as a photograph. It was so powerful that I didn't even have to write it down. The next morning, I went to the studio and built it immediately at a 1:10 scale. Because the vision was so clear, I didn't waste time on preparation; I just picked up the iron and executed what I had seen in my mind.

The sculpture represents The Nestlings. It is a reflection on how, despite our lived experiences, there are times when we are all as defenseless as birds in a nest—unable to fly, waiting and hoping to be fed.

Though the organizers eventually told me the design wasn't "suitable" for a roundabout, the piece remains an important part of my collection. I don't regret the time spent because the idea forced its way into the world. I still hold this maquette as a blueprint for a larger realization; it was designed for a height of 3.5 meters, but it is a story that can be told at any scale.

The stories behind my artwork, the opportunities in The Lighthouse, and the reflections of the Morning Muse are my ways of keeping the lamp lit for our creative community. These resources will always be free to access. If they have found you at the right time, consider fueling the forge to help keep the fire burning. Your support, in any amount, is deeply appreciated.

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