David, an ancestor of Jesus Christ, was the second King anointed through the prophet Samuel to oversee Judah and all Israel. He came to his reign tensely under service of the then denounced first king, Saul, who, in fear of being usurped, continuously sought to take David’s life. A skilled warrior, David’s life was marked by warfare and victory, tragedy and praise. In his intimate devotion to God he was known as a man after God’s own heart.

The stature of the piece reflects David’s masculinity and strength. The deepened cracks and inflamed sheared edges reflect his fearless mettle on the battlefield and yet vulnerably broken humanity, while the more elegant curvatures and sinuous planes embody his confident tact as a strategist, diplomat and man of bold faith. The overall energetically outward gestures of the piece capture David’s earnest dependence and need for the presence, provision, leadership and love of God in his life.

• production: Excalibur Sculpture Foundry
• photography: Joe Garrad