Symbol of the Earth 18-25: Earth as Mother and Crucible
With this work, I wanted to pay tribute to the fertile and transformative power of our grounding element. This sculpture embodies the Earth in its dual aspect: it is the Mother, the one who gives life and supports our steps, but it is also the alchemical Crucible, that underground place where matter transforms, where coal becomes diamond and metal fuses. It is a symbol of stability, patience, and deep regeneration.
The marriage of steel and bronze, worked in dripping (drop-by-drop fusion), gives this circular form a rich and rugged texture, evoking the earth’s bark and veins of precious ores. The metal lace lets light pass through the structure, reminding us that even the densest earth has a breath and a spirit. This sculpture is a piece from the Intimate range that brings protective energy and a feeling of fullness to your interior.
Steel base diameter 3 in Height 1,3 in - Width 3,5 in - Depth 3 in
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Why define the earth as a "crucible" in this work? The crucible is the container where the founder melts metal. For me, the Earth is the original crucible: it is within it that the metals I use, steel and bronze, are born. This sculpture celebrates this transformation of raw matter into airy lace, illustrating the passage from underground to light.
How is the "Mother/Crucible" duality visually represented? The round and welcoming shape evokes the maternal and protective figure. The complex texture of the lace, with its roughness and bronze projections, recalls the inner bubbling of the earth, its ability to forge and transform elements through heat and time.
What are the respective roles of steel and bronze here? The gray steel brings the strength of rock and the enduring structure of the soil. The bronze, with its golden and coppery highlights, represents hidden riches, precious minerals, and the warmth of the earth’s core. These bronze touches give this sculpture a solar and sacred dimension.
Is this a unique work? Absolutely. Each fusion gesture is an unrepeatable imprint. Made freehand, without any mold, piece 18-25 has its own mesh and relief. It is an original creation signed Philippe Buil, accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
How should this piece be displayed to emphasize its grounding? Placed on a solid wood stand or a mineral surface, this sculpture will strengthen its connection with nature. Warm lighting will make the bronze projections vibrate, creating a play of cast shadows that will recall the depth of earth strata and the importance of our roots.
