"True to Herself" ©Lori Kiplinger Pandy
24"H x 18"W x 2.5D Cast Stone (Forton/AquaResin) edition 35
"True to Herself" is the second in a series of bas reliefs featuring strong young women. This girl's direct eye contact with the viewer lets you know that she's now sure of herself. She has been hurt, by others and by her own actions or inactions. But she's learned from that experience and has come through it with a better understanding of who is and what her values are.
Girls today are bombarded with media messages telling them how to look, how to act, and how much of their value is tied up in their physical presence. I'm celebrating the young women who come to realize that these messages are false and for the benefits of others, not her. Once they come to that realization and embrace their own values - being true to themselves - they are a wonderful force to be reckoned with.
In this sculpture here expression is a subtle combination of guarded, as evidenced by her crossed arms, and open, evidenced by her steady gaze and calm, relaxed face. I think that combination is a balance many young women come to achieve as they learn to set boundaries while still being open and generous. The wolf is a metaphor for loyalty - as in loyal to herself and the calla lily is a symbol of purity and rebirth.
This high relief wall sculpture measures 24" x 18" x 2.5" with a weight of 11 lbs. and is suitable for display inside or outdoors. The subtle but rich patina is neutral but can be custom colored.
Rain, heat, sleet, snow - these sculptures are well-suited to the harsh garden conditions of my Colorado home.
