By Staff
A friend's donkey and its companion, a female goat, were the original inspiration for this sculpture.
As a young goat, it would curl up on the reclining donkey's back.
As a large adult, it bore a kid.
In later years, both goats could be seen balancing on top the donkey.
I live in the Hudson River Valley, which is beautiful farm country. I used local farm animals as my models.
Each animal is a distinct breed and is portrayed as characteristically symbolic.
The donkey is symbolic of a carrier of burdens.
He can be cantankerous and complaining.
The male goat has long been used as a "scapegoat." The ritual of putting blame on the goat is ancient and is referred to in the Talmud.
The small female goat can be seen as a Dwarf goat.
The little kid on the top is a Nubian goat.
The symbolism of the sculpture is:
You must carry your burdens in life, bear them and don't complain excessively.
Do not blame others for your problems and misfortunes.
If you can rise above that, you can attain your full growth potential and not remain dwarfed.
In doing so, you rise above all else, gain a clear perspective and begin a new life;
You become a nubian
nu bien
new being.