The Eternal Forge, Architect of Life: Sculpture and Reflection

Art is often a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, a medium through which complex ideas and stories can take form. My latest sculpture, The Eternal Forge, Architect of Life, embodies this bridge, fusing reclaimed metal, human creativity, and timeless symbolism into a singular piece that invites contemplation.

The Sculpture

The centrepiece of The Eternal Forge is a humanoid figure, the "Architect," crafted from reclaimed metal parts. This figure cradles a sphere—a representation of life, reality, and the interconnectedness of existence. Surrounding the Architect is an intricate interplay of elements: a washer and a saw blade form patterns reminiscent of the flower of life, a symbol of creation and cosmic order. Beneath it all, the sculpture rests upon a gear, symbolizing the relentless turning of time and the machinery of existence.

What sets this piece apart is its organic evolution. Rather than imposing a predetermined vision, I allowed the materials to guide me, their innate shapes and histories suggesting what they wanted to become. This collaborative dance between creator and medium resulted in a sculpture that feels as though it emerged from the very essence of creation itself.

Themes and Inspiration

The Eternal Forge draws deeply from themes of creation, transformation, and time. The "Architect" represents the act of creating something from nothing, an allegory that resonates with both artistic processes and foundational creation stories. The sculpture’s title is a nod to the eternal act of forging—be it the birth of stars, the evolution of life, or the work of an artist bringing ideas to form.

To intertwine this with the Christian creation story, I reflected on the seven days of creation as a framework for the accompanying poem. Each element of the sculpture corresponds to this sacred narrative:

• The sphere symbolizes the formation of the heavens and the earth.

• The flower-like patterns nod to the intricate design of nature.

• The gear represents the unceasing passage of time, echoing the divine rhythm set into motion.

Yet the piece transcends any single cultural or religious reference. It invites viewers to find their own connections, to see in the Architect both the divine and the human, the creator and the creation.

Poetic Reflection

Accompanying this sculpture is my poem, also titled The Eternal Forge, Architect of Life. It weaves the imagery of the seven days of creation into the act of sculpting, celebrating the transformation of raw materials into something meaningful. The poem captures the tension and harmony of creation—the push and pull of shaping chaos into order, darkness into light.

Closing Thoughts

The Eternal Forge is more than a sculpture; it is a conversation with time, history, and the act of creation itself. Through its reclaimed materials, it speaks to resilience and transformation, showing how even the discarded can be reborn with purpose and beauty.

I invite you to experience this piece, to ponder its layers of meaning, and to share your reflections. What does creation mean to you? How do you see yourself in the Architect’s hands, or in the eternal turning of the gear beneath?

Join the conversation on Instagram @ashleycurranart.

Watch the Poem

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XOUqDkbhMzY?feature=share