The inspiration for ‘M’akhotso, Mother of Peace came from an amazing friend named Mbuto who had emigrated from South Africa. She had modeled for me while I created the sculpture called Mbuto’s Hopes and Dreams.

I had worked with Mbuto for over 4 years so knew her story of immigration and was inspired by her. She came to Canada at the age of 19 not knowing anyone! Her personal strength, courage, and determination shone through with everything she did. She worked hard, and persistently sought out ways to fulfill her hopes and dreams, while also contributing to her new country.

In 2018 Oak Bay hosted a sculpture competition which had the theme of “Balancing Act”. This gave me the opportunity to represent one of the greatest balancing acts that many people experience – immigration.

The day I sent her the illustration for the new sculpture she told me her middle name, ‘M’akhotso. Her Grandfather in Lesotho gave her that name as her birth healed a rift in the family. I was tingling from head to toe as she told me the meaning of her name, Mother of Peace, since I was creating a sculpture that was all about perusing one’s dreams in peace!

‘M’akhotso, symbolizes the generations of people who have come to and been part of shaping our continent. Representing their dreams for a brighter future, she likewise embodies our shared hope of universal peace for all in the present and for those who continue to join our world.

I am honoured that the first bronze of ‘M’akhotso, Mother of Peace has been purchased through community contributions, and will remain in front of the Oak Bay Library/Monterey Centre reminding us of the legacy of the late Mayor Nils Jensen, who was himself an immigrant. He was a true supporter of the arts in Oak Bay and loved this sculpture with its meaning of community and peace.

My husband David assisted me in creating this piece as he sculpted the world.

Cast in bronze at Valley Bronze in Joseph, Oregon.