Prayer for Peace – Artist Proofs Available
Prayer for Peace is a 12” x 18” bas relief sculpture.
This is what is known as an “artist’s proof”, meaning that it has been hand cast and finished by the original creator (and that would be me). Cast from a mold of the original, it is made of Hydrocal, a high density gypsum plaster, and weighs approximately 10 pounds. It has a wire hanger on the back and can be wall mounted or placed on a desk or shelf with a stand (sturdy wire easel included with work). This piece has a silver finish, but golden bronze or copper finishes are also available. It is a limited edition, signed and numbered. If you are interested in purchasing an artist proof or placing an order for a numbered quantity, please contact eileen at desterno@gmail.com
Due to many public requests, I created this small version of my original large sized work ( bonded bronze; 32” x 48” x 6” ) – which is installed at the main entry foyer in the “Follow Me Chapel” on the grounds of Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.
Fort Benning is known as “The Home of the Infantry” and provides the primary basic training for all U.S. Army infantry enlistees
Here follows a statement I wrote about the work:
“PRAYER FOR PEACE”
“Prayer for Peace” is a message of faith in the midst of conflict.
This sculpture is a manifestation of the prayers of many for safety, hope and spiritual strength for all soldiers, past and present.
Honoring all those who would uphold justice and freedom
for this human family to which we all belong, it is a reminder that the spirit is with us, and of our duty to care for one another.
Inspired by a photo taken by Romeo Gacad of the French Press Agency, this image (of eight soldiers united in prayer while stationed in Iraq) speaks just as strongly for those who have fought battles at other times and in other parts of this world.
The arched top is shaped like a church window, long associated with being a place of peace and worship. It speaks without words of the idea that being united in prayer makes a place holy, even in the middle of a war.
To remember that we are sacred, that we are guided by spirit, and that God’s protection is with us is of profound and utmost importance.
Art is both medicine and magic. Works of art multiply feelings of joy, magnify faith, divide anger and dissolve sadness. They create unity and hope through representation of common goals. The sculpture invites you to join this circle with your heart and to pray with our world in your arms.
The rough finger marks and uneven edges in the original clay model are representative of life. Life is not perfect, Life is always in progress, and full of feeling. Each person sculpts their life daily, working with the raw materials of our surroundings and the tools of our history.
We are all human, we all have hearts that beat and arms that embrace, we are all works of art in progress, we are all works of God. “
- E. Marie d’Esterno
