Art at Mountain View
James Sutton - For God so Loved the World
The commission represents the very famous words of Jesus in John’s gospel (John 3:16-17):
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”
In the original Greek the word “world” is “κόσμος - Kosmos” – with the meaning of world, whole-earth, world system, whole universe, and James is therefore representing “The World” with the 3m circle – through which we will view the “actual world” looking across to Sky Hill and “The Mountain”. This extends the profound meaning of this powerful text to the entirety of creation…
James says:
“My aim was to portray this prominent subject, that we are all familiar with in art, in a new way. I chose to replace the traditional image of the cross with a large hoop to represent the sacrifice for the world and act as a gateway to heaven. I have tried to steer away from the western image of a Christ with a full beard and long hair and instead focus on depicting the immense suffering and excruciating pain of crucifixion. I hope that regardless of personal beliefs the work is evocative and meditative.”
Here you can watch a short video where James talks more about his inspiration for the piece.
Below is a reel of images showing the design and building process of the sculpture and the final installation.
James works in stone, metal and bronze from his studio on Hall farm in Gainsborough. He produces work to commission and exhibits throughout the uk creating small personal works and Public Art.
James grew up in Manchester in a Christian home and from a young age had a passion for art and creativity. After graduating from studying Art at the University of Lincoln and getting married in 2005, James and his wife Helen setteled in Lincoln and started a family. Thanks to their support James has worked full time as a sculptor ever since. In 2010 he set up his current studio The Sculpture Barn on Hall Farm in Harpswell, Gainsbrough. Over the past 16+ years his work has taken many directions but always inspired by his love of nature and the emotions it evokes. His work can be both figurative and abstract. Currently James works mostly to commission, creating personal works for a wide range of clients from private homes and gardens to large pieces of public art for businesses and councils. He also exhibits at galleries and sculpture shows and sells his work through his website shop.
You can find out more about James and his work by visiting his website or following him on social media.