Artist Statement ~ Sculptural Work: ZAATEKKE: GODDESS WOMAN ROOT - SWAY Series: ____ Sculpture: __ Media: Metal / Mixed-Media / Non-Ferrous Metals / ______ D. DelReverda-Jennings ~ Interdisciplinary Artist: ______ My distinctive sculptural works are known for being metaphors of ancestral connection, evocative of the spiritual powers existing between women and nature. I incorporate expression of ancestral spiritual existence as an individual and as part of the human continuum, as well as naturalism and symbolism from ancient and modern culture related to me through heritage to formulate a personal imagery. This work provides an apt metaphor not only for my feminine perspective of spiritual and cultural conservation but for the universal ideas and associations that persist over time in the collective human consciousness. I feel that as an artist, the material used and the spiritual essence unite in ritual expression as a means to discover, relate and interpret the meaning of life. Creative ritual can transform materials and/or objects to make them function spiritually as well as physically and my intent is to attempt to give physical form to the hidden processes of the spiritual and natural worlds. I hope to make objects that embody these compelling qualities.. I work within a wide spectrum of materials and textures. This adds to the complexity of the sculpture that I create incorporating edginess and intricate detail into the imagery, which also happens to develop a visual dialogue and a physical reference or presence. My works are endowed with an energy and ancestral connection to the sacredness of life through metaphor. Many of my pieces are psychological portraits that explore the diverse sides of human nature, such as our desires, strengths, continual change, the everlasting, the fragility and beauty of life................. Through art I give voice, celebration and inspiration. I make the many forms of my work for all who appreciate the unusual and it becomes more richly textured and more complex as ideas rapidly evolve through my life participation of creativity, wanderlust and beauty. I create to be heard, to show my joy, to tell my story. I create because I am driven. I hope that others in experiencing a taste of my artistic magic will come away with the same appreciation and enthusiasm that I receive in producing each piece.