Gaia (2024) Sculpture by Lisa Roxette

Gaia is a tribute to the immortal spirit and vitality of the Earth, expressed in the timeless medium of ceramics. The piece embodies the essence of our planet as a living, breathing being, rooted in ancient mythologies and resonating with contemporary environmental awareness.

I wanted to depict another powerful, imaginative woman. Every day we are inundated with news about how badly we humans treat nature and the consequences of this. I imagined that Gaia, according to the ancient Greeks our primal mother and the personification of the earth, would not be happy with our behavior. I decided to delve into her story and this image of her came into being. A somewhat grumpy queen of the elements that form the basis of our planet.

According to Greek mythology, Gaia, our primal mother, consisted of the elements earth, water, fire and wind. I decided to make her a wooden woman to also show her vulnerability. She comes from curled roots and is the product of our fertile soil—wood from the earth. On her head are tree trunks in which candles are placed. Twisted blue candles that can really burn, symbolizing wind and fire. On the back of her head, between the trunks of the felled trees, is a small lake that cascades down her neck, symbolizing water.

Gaia’s second hand is detached from her body, with sand pouring from her fist like an hourglass. According to the stories, time began when Gaia was first impregnated by Ouranos (the sky). Their union produced the 12 Titans—six men and six women—destined to become the second generation of divine beings.

This sculpture is meticulously sculpted by hand, with every curve and texture intentionally chosen to reflect the natural landscapes—mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests—that make up our world. The use of earthy tones and organic forms invites the viewer to connect with the raw, untouched beauty of nature and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms.

The intricate details in Gaia are symbolic of the delicate balance that sustains our ecosystems. Patterns inspired by plant life, watercourses, and geological formations come together to create a harmonious yet complex visual narrative. These elements remind us of the fragility of the Earth and the urgent need for proper stewardship and respect for our environment.

Gaia stands as a testament to the Earth’s resilience and nurturing power, embodying both its strength and its vulnerability. By engaging with this piece, I hope to inspire a sense of reverence and responsibility for the planet we call home. It is a call to action, urging us to recognize our role in preserving the natural world for future generations.

With Gaia, I seek to evoke a deeper appreciation for the Earth’s beauty and an awareness of our impact on it, and to encourage a symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature.

Related themes

Figurative