Steven Bennett is the artist of the bronze statues, "Jesus and the Children" and "The Child Angel." Mr. Bennett resides in Greensboro, North Carolina and has his studio and gallery in High Point, NC.
The expressions of the figures in this memorial are distinctive and convey a sense of peace and joy which helps us understand and appreciate the artistic value of the monument.
The life size figures of "Jesus and the Children" visualizes the intimacy, care and embrace of the savior. The placement of the children reminds us of their closeness to Jesus. It is with Him they find safety and security. The three figures together are playful and remind us of the joy every child of God experiences by a relationship with the Lord. There is such sacredness in the way Jesus and the children relate to each other in this work of art. The little girl clings to His arm affectionately, not fearful, but confident in her connection to Him. The little boy inspects the hand of Jesus as if to ask, "What is this mark in your hand?" as children of ten notice things like that. The other hand of Jesus is slightly raised, as if he is preparing to bless the children and welcome them into his loving care. To appreciate the full impact of the scene, let your faith, your desire, and your own connection to Christ take us there.
The "Child Angel" demonstrates an angelic innocence. The angel's expression is one of assurance and awe as she directs our attention to the heavens. Her gaze reminds us to constantly look to everlasting life. She also reminds us to trust the love and mercy of God, even in our own losses. Her appearance is as one would imagine a child angel would look.
The works of art were created by a method of Ancient bronze casting called "Lost Wax Casting." Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, first appeared in the Near East toward the end of the fourth millennium B.C., but there is no accurate record of when the lost wax method of casting was first used.
The artist begins with the creation of an original sculpture. Following a series of phases and the use of various materials, a ceramic shell of the piece creates a mold in which to pour the molten bronze. The use of wax is employed as a key element during the firing of the piece. As the shell is baked the wax is eleminated, thus ther term, "Lost Wax."
The bronze statues are placed on "Rushmore Mahogany Granite." The rough and smooth or polished appearance of the Granite reminds us that our human lives can be smooth and rough. It also reminds us that the foundation of our faith remains solid and strong, if we trust our Lord.