Swords into Ploughshares
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This glass triptych depicts the words of the prophet Isaiah, "They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, their weapons int pruning hooks. One nation shall not raise the sword against each other, nor shall they train for war again." Isaiah, 2:2-4. This piece challenges us, upon being attached, to restrain our spontaneous impulses to revenge and mutually escalating violence. It reminds us that the serious task of making peace, not war, is the only real solution to our planet's problems. And, it reminds all the children of Abraham - Jews, Christians and Muslims - that we have within our individual religious traditions the resources to make Isaiah's words a reality."Making art is anything but glamorous. It is back-breaking, sweat inducing and often very frustrating. But once the work is done, you sit down and look, and suddenly you can't take your eyes off your own work. Such moments more than make up for all the frustration and uncertainty of being an artist."
- Wiktor Szostalo, Szostalo Sculpture, St. Louis, MO