The Gate

In the run-up to Christmas I had the opportunity to work on a new artwork in front of an audience. This took place at De Basis, a church with compassion, in Apeldoorn. I started with a wooden panel (86x67 cm). On it I arranged various elements that I had found at different moments over the past year. The copper gate is the most important element. Inside the gate there is light and warmth.

The audience responded to this, adding their own thoughts: “Are those Joseph and Mary?” That could well be, but for me it is about people in general who seek shelter, a stable, a warm community. We need to belong somewhere. Beneath the two figures is a rough lump of solidified aluminium drops. The remains of window frames after a fire. After the destructive force of disasters we have to rise again and find ourselves again, as a phoenix rises from the ashes and, reborn, begins its task anew.

Someone said: “You must rise from the waters of baptism and begin a new life.” Above the heads you can see the outlines of a vast landscape on a metal plate. There is a view ahead, even though you cannot describe the future exactly. The many conversations that were held led to mutual understanding and deeper insight. The sculpture contributes to conversations about destination, purpose, love, renewal, rising up.