THE BALANCE OF LIFE, LUCK, GRATITUDE AND JOY

"The Balance of Life, Luck, Gratitude, and Joy," by Irene Uribe Manrique de Lara, as a profound and evocative collection of ceramic sculptures that explores life's intricate interplay between chance, experience, and emotion. Comprising 21 carefully crafted sculptures, each piece carries a symbolic message, forming a cohesive narrative around the essential elements of human existence.


Dice: Luck and Risk

  • The dice represent both luck and the inherent risks we face in life. Much like in games of chance, our paths are often shaped by events beyond our control, where the roll of the dice can either favor us or lead to unexpected challenges. In this sense, the dice capture the vulnerability and uncertainty that come with making choices.

Orbs: Life Events, Good and Bad

  • The orbs, smooth and spherical, signify life's events—both the good and the bad. Their round shape evokes the cyclical nature of existence, reminding us that just as life is full of highs, it also brings lows. These orbs encapsulate the experiences that shape us, teaching us resilience through both joy and hardship.

 Open Hands and Apples: Gratitude and Abundance

  • The open hands symbolize receiving, while the apples embody abundance. Together, they speak to gratitude, not only for the material wealth we might accumulate but for the deeper fulfillment that comes from recognizing and appreciating the gifts of life. The use of apples, a symbol of nourishment and bounty, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the richness in our everyday experiences.

Rabbit: Golden Lucky Rabbit

  • The golden rabbit stands as a totem of luck, fertility, and prosperity. In many cultures, rabbits are seen as symbols of fortune, especially when portrayed in golden hues. Here, the rabbit serves as a reminder that fortune favors the prepared, and that opportunities—whether through luck or hard work—are always within reach for those who remain alert.

Birds: Joy and Good Fortune

  • Finally, the birds are uplifting symbols of joy and freedom. Birds often represent the transcendence of life's burdens and the soaring feeling of elation. In this collection, they are messengers of happiness, bringing good fortune and lightness to the balance of life.

Piggy: A Sign of Good Fortune and Abundance

  • The pig, often associated with prosperity and wealth across various cultures, symbolizes good fortune and abundance. In many traditions, pigs are viewed as symbols of financial stability and success, often represented in the form of piggy banks, which are used to save money. Within this collection, the Piggy would serve as a reminder of material prosperity, financial security, and the importance of nurturing resources to ensure a stable and abundant future. It also suggests contentment and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor, linking to themes of gratitude and abundance.

Dog: Loyalty, Protection, and Companionship

  • A Dog in this context would likely represent the qualities of loyalty, unconditional love, and protection. Dogs have long been seen as symbols of faithful companionship, embodying trust and unwavering support. In a broader sense, the dog could symbolize the importance of relationships built on trust, the protective presence of loved ones in our lives, and the deep connections that ground us. It highlights the theme of emotional security and steadfast companionship, which brings joy and stability, reinforcing the idea that life’s richness also comes from our connections with others.

Together, the Piggy and the Dog would enrich the overall narrative of the collection, emphasizing both material and emotional abundance, illustrating how fortune comes not only from external wealth but also from loyalty and love.