This piece was inspired by a cake I originally created for an exhibition in Portugal, where I sought to express the deep emotional bond between mother and child. For the Global Encounters Festival, I chose to recreate this design using air-drying clay, to ensure greater durability while preserving the original concept. The sculpture is completed with delicate wafer paper flowers, adding texture and symbolism to the composition. The figures in Maternal Love appear cracked and broken, like weathered stone. These intentional imperfections represent the struggles, sadness, insecurity, and moments of darkness — including depression — that can mark our lives and journeys as human beings. The sculpture reflects how, even when we feel fragile or incomplete, love has the power to heal, protect, and nourish. From the cracks and broken surfaces, vibrant flowers bloom, symbolising resilience and the beauty that can emerge even in the most challenging circumstances. Maternal Love is a tribute to the strength of connection