Earth Child c. 1936 - 1937

Curator: Eric Kennington’s sculpture "Earth Child" presents a child perched atop a giant hand. It is about 1321 x 597 mm in size, and is located in the Tate Collections. Editor: It has a kind of commanding yet protective aura, doesn't it? The child looks almost regal there. Curator: Considering Kennington's background, it's intriguing to consider the labor and the carving process here. The hand, monumental in scale, suggests human creation, but also a kind of… governance? Editor: Absolutely. The animals sculpted into the sides are powerful totems, evoking a sense of guardianship. The child holds what appears to be a fossilized snake, representing transformation and healing, wouldn't you agree? Curator: I see what you mean. It's an interesting interpretation, especially considering the materials and the artist’s choice to depict such intimate and delicate subjects at a fairly large scale. Editor: For me, it's an enduring image of humanity's relationship with nature, rendered through powerful symbolism. Curator: And for me, it’s about the labor of sculpting and its connection to themes of creation and protection.