Balancing Act is a visual narrative. A traditional pillar of the community swathed in gauze to represent dreams forms the base of the sculpture. A steel chain denoting inner strength is hidden inside the core of the pillar, attached to and simultaneously weighed down by the world. A pair of doves denoting peace fly around a globe of forged and riveted steel, a cage containing a blown glass sphere to represent the light of the world. A felted moose in cool colours balances delicately on top of the globe. An acrobat felted in warm colours balances on tiptoes on the back of the moose, holding onto a parasol herself for balance. Rainbow colours signify hope. It has only been three months since the tragic suicide of David, Sandra’s business partner and husband of 38 years. The concept of hope is even more important as Sandra works through her grief. The figurines have a metal armature, felted musculature and a skin of nuno pre-felt made by combining merino wool with printed silk, sewn and felted to the framework. Scraps of the fabric skin, forever changed, have been pieced back together to underpin the base of the sculpture, depicting the fragility of life. A new fabric can be glimpsed at the very top of the parasol. Made from Quality Street chocolate wrappers ironed onto cellophane, it looks like stained glass in the sunlight and is a reminder that life is sweet. Life is a balancing act.