Anna • 15 • Meath

12-15 Category   •  2026
This piece was inspired by the sculptures of "Johnson Tsang", whose work shows faces and forms that feel like they are growing, or turning into something new. I liked his sculptures with a mix of the human face with ideas of nature. That feeling connected strongly with my own love of nature, gardening, and working with my hands using clay. I come from a family of makers. We are people who like to build, fix, grow, and create things with our hands. Making is just part of who we are. Some people think with their heads first, but in my family, we think through our ands. Whether it is gardening, crafting, or working with clay, using our hands helps us feel calm, focused, and connected. This sculpture comes from that way of living and thinking. I have always liked gardening and flowers. Being in the garden feels peaceful to me. Digging in the soil, planting seeds, and watching things slowly grow teaches patience. You cannot rush nature. You have to care for it, check on it, and let it change in its own time. Working with clay feels very similar. Both gardening and clay work remind me that good things take time. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, and it plays a big role in this piece. Spring is about new beginnings. flowers bloom, colours return, and the world feels alive again after winter. I wanted this sculpture to feel like that moment when something starts to grow.