In 2018 I entered Oak Bay’s Art’s Alive sculpture competition which had the theme of “Balancing Act”. This gave me the opportunity to represent one of the greatest balancing acts of all time…immigration!

The inspiration for ‘M’akhotso’ Mother of Peace came from a lovely friend named Mbuto, who had modeled for me while I created the sculpture called Mbuto’s Hopes and Dreams.

She had emigrated from Africa at the age of 19 not knowing anyone! She worked hard, and her radiance shone through, as she persistently sought out ways to fulfill her hopes and dreams, while also contributing to her new country.

’M’akhotso means Mother of Peace in Lesotho where Mbuto was born. I didn’t know this until the day that I showed Mbuto the initial design for the sculpture. Then she told me that her grandfather had given her the middle name of ‘M’akhotso when she was a baby, as her birth mended a rift in her family. I was amazed, as one of the greatest catalysts for immigration is the hope for peace, and she was named “Mother of Peace”!

This sculpture represents immigrants who come from all over the world, and who are so important in building and shaping the countries that they immigrate to.

‘M’akhotso (Mother of Peace) was created with the assistance of my husband David, who sculpted the world. For David and I this is a very personal piece that speaks of our own journeys as well.

I am honoured that the first bronze in this edition of ‘M’akhotso, Mother of Peace has been purchased through community contributions, and will remain in front of the Oak Bay Library, and 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.

Cast in bronze at Valley Bronze in Joseph, Oregon.