Sculpture by Roane

22 inches high by 12 inches. Black Cherry. Collection of the Rev. Dr. Ted Pierce.

In the Old Testament book of Judges is a passage called, "The Song of Deborah" (Chapter's four and five). It is a kind of folk ballad that sings of a charismatic leader who rose up to gather the tribes of Israel to counter attack the oppressing Canaanites. Life was bleak in Israel until God called Deborah, a popular "judge" who held court "under the Tree of Deborah" to rally the Israelites.

"Village life in Israel ceased,
ceased until I, Deborah, arose,
arose a mother in Israel,"

goes her song. In this piece I tried to find another form for the traditional mother-child theme and depict a strong mother (the triangular composition) rising up to protect her children. This chunk of cherry had some flaws that showed up well into the sculpting and needed filling. However, most all wood has flaws - cracks, knots, insect damage, rot and strange water marks, all of which give it character. This depiction of "Deborah" is both strong and supple. The cherry is feminine, yet strong. I hope to do a series in this theme, both stylized / abstract and a bit more realistic.

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