"Illumination" is part of a site-specific sculpture depicting the human journey in 3 sections, inspired by 3 residencies at Archie Bray in 3 different capacities, across 3 decades: summer artist in residence, writer in residence and invited guest artist. In 2002 the "Inception" figure is beginning the journey, looking eagerly toward the future and partly immersed in the water. In 2011 the "Illumination" figure holds a candle and reads a large book, now immersed up to the heart. In 2024, the "Introspection" figure is contemplating the journey while looking into the current, submerged above the eyes in the water. The terracotta clay gives homage to the historic brickyard of Archie Bray and was developed by Mission Clay Art & Industry.

Learn more:

https://publicartarchive.org/art/We-are-the-body-the-boat-and-the-water/687421a6

https://www.ceramicsnow.org/articles/the-magic-of-archie-bray/
https://archiebray.org/people/susannah-israel-2/
https://www.susannahisrael.com/archie-bray-foundation
https://www.thecolornetwork.org/artists-spotlight