The struggle within us
An emerging body of figurative sculpture exploring the spiritual struggle between temptation and faith, sin and redemption, darkness and light, and the choices we make throughout our lives.
Rooted in my Christian faith, this series is inspired by my belief in God the Father and Jesus Christ, and in the possibility of forgiveness, transformation and freedom through Christ.
I am interested in the spiritual battles that take place within us — the temptation to return to destructive habits, the forces that pull us away from God, the struggle between darkness and light, and the strength that comes through faith.
At the heart of this series is the belief that we are creatures of choice. Throughout our lives, we have the capacity to choose — some choices bringing us closer to God, while others may lead us towards darkness, temptation or destructive patterns.
We may make choices we later regret, or choices that seemed justified in the moment. But poor choices in the past do not mean that we must make the same choices in the future. We can choose differently.
Through the human figure, I want to give physical form to experiences that cannot normally be seen: temptation, sin, spiritual conflict, faith, surrender, redemption and hope.
Some works may depict figures caught between opposing spiritual influences, while others may explore the weight of sin, the struggle to break free, or the transformation that becomes possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
The intention is not simply to portray good and evil as opposing characters. I want to explore the deeper spiritual reality behind our choices — the forces that influence us, our human vulnerability, our responsibility to choose, our need for God, and the possibility of redemption.
The human figure provides a way to make these invisible spiritual struggles visible.
Through gesture, posture, physical contact and symbolic figures, I can explore experiences such as temptation, spiritual oppression, guilt, surrender, resistance, faith and freedom.
The angelic and demonic figures are not simply decorative symbols. They represent opposing spiritual influences surrounding the human experience, while the human figure remains at the centre — capable of choosing, yet confronted by influences, consequences and the possibility of another path.
Light, darkness, the cross, chains and other Christian symbols may appear throughout the series as each sculpture develops its own visual language.
Freedom & Redemption is one of the first concepts developed for the series.
The figure emerges from broken chains with his arms raised towards heaven, with a cross at the centre of his body.
The broken chains represent freedom from the bondage of sin. His upward gaze represents faith, hope and his turning towards Christ. The cross represents Jesus Christ and the source of redemption, while the broken ground beneath him suggests the destruction of what once held him captive and the beginning of a new life.
The figure is no longer defined by the chains that bound him.
For me, this work expresses the belief that through Jesus Christ, freedom, transformation and redemption are possible.
Another developing concept explores a person confronted by opposing spiritual influences at a moment of temptation.
The figure is surrounded by both an evil presence and an angelic presence, while light above represents divine guidance and the possibility of another path.
The bottle represents a temporary escape, comfort or relief.
The figure stands between two possible directions. The central question is not simply whether he makes the right or wrong choice, but what is happening spiritually within that moment of decision.
He is not alone — he is being influenced, confronted and called towards the light. Yet the choice remains his.
Another concept explores the experience of being physically burdened by an evil presence.
The figure carries the weight of darkness upon her body, creating a visual expression of spiritual oppression and the heaviness that can accompany sin, suffering and destructive influences.
Through this type of imagery, I want to explore how something invisible can nevertheless feel very real and powerful.
The physical weight of the figure becomes a metaphor for an internal and spiritual struggle — something that cannot simply be seen, but can profoundly affect a person’s life.
Another concept draws inspiration from Psalm 23, which speaks of God’s guidance, protection and presence even in the darkest valleys of life.
Through this concept, I want to explore the relationship between human vulnerability and the comfort of knowing that we are not alone. Where Spiritual Struggle expresses the weight of darkness, Psalm 23 offers a different perspective — the reassurance of the Good Shepherd who guides, restores and leads us towards peace.
As a Christian, I find deep meaning in the words, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). This reminds me that God’s presence does not necessarily remove us from difficult circumstances, but sustains and guides us through them.
Through this visual concept, I hope to explore how the presence of the Good Shepherd might be expressed through the human figure, posture and sculptural form, creating a sense of trust, protection and hope amid darkness.
This concept extends the exploration of Good & Evil beyond temptation and spiritual struggle towards faith, trust and the restoring presence of God.
Good & Evil is an evolving body of work. At this stage, the series exists through concept drawings, visual research and developing ideas for future sculptures.
As I continue working, new figures, relationships and narratives will emerge. Some works may explore temptation and spiritual conflict; others may move towards faith, surrender, forgiveness, freedom and redemption.
For me, Good & Evil is ultimately about choice — the choices we make, the forces that influence us, and the hope that even when we have made poor choices or become bound by darkness, our past does not have to determine our future. We can choose differently, and there remains a path towards freedom through faith in Jesus Christ.
As a Christian, I believe that we cannot overcome darkness, temptation and sin through our own strength alone. We need the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we need to draw close to God. When we draw close to Him, He draws close to us.
I also believe that faith is not simply a decision we make through our own understanding or will. We do not simply wake up one morning and decide that we believe. Faith — the ability to believe and recognise the truth of Christ — is itself an undeserved gift from God. God opens our eyes and our hearts so that we can recognise our need for Jesus.
The story of Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, speaks to me deeply in this way. Saul knew about the followers of Jesus and opposed them, yet knowing the facts was not the same as believing. It was only when Jesus revealed Himself to Saul that his understanding was transformed and his life changed.
I believe salvation is freely given through Jesus Christ. We are called to turn towards Him and respond in faith, but even the ability to recognise Him and believe is ultimately a gift of God’s grace. It is not something we earn, and it is not something we can take credit for.
Through faith, surrender and the work of the Holy Spirit, what once held us captive can begin to give way to freedom, forgiveness and redemption.
The series will continue to evolve through drawing, modelling and sculpture, allowing each work to develop its own story and visual language while exploring the journey from struggle towards faith, and from bondage towards freedom through Jesus Christ.
As pieces begin to take form, they will appear here, each with its own page. For enquiries about this series, please get in touch through the contact page.