As I have taken the time to look at every sculpture in Tyler Gardens at Bucks County Community College, I am struck particularly by the exquisite bronze sculpture entitled “Endless Offerings” because this statue inspired me to think of a ritualistic offering even before I had read the title. While in a slanted backwards stance, a seemingly young woman with waving hair offers a chalice of flame to the unforgiving sky. I imagine this woman to represent the sacred femininity within the human race.
All of the natural elements are embraced in this stunning piece of artwork. While this woman bares herself to her God, she offers her chalice of fire which is arguably the strongest of the natural elements. Her shallow bowl does not proclaim flames from it as she holds it to the heavens but rather an angular point which bends with an imaginative breeze. She stands on a small ridged cliff, which represents earth and solidity. Because of her stance, she is powerful in her physical, spiritual and mental strengths.
She is not afraid of falling. Under her sturdy rock is a pool of free-flowing water. Water is a pure element with no meaning of deceit in its workings. Because the water is underneath her, I find it to represent the purity if her natural groundings. Although the woman appears to be the epitome of femininity, strength and empowerment, she is also on a foundation of truth and purity.
Lastly, the woman offers her chalice to the sky: the element of air that is most knowledgeable of the elements because of its travels. Because air enhances the flame of the fire, it is notably interesting because she is not only offering her flame, which represents her entire self, but requests that it be enhanced by the experience of the sky.
The flame is as endless as her faith.
This statue represents so much more than the simple concept of femininity. It evokes emotions and a sense of comfort to me as I sit here in awe of the beauty that is me as a woman.
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