The Gift: A Mermaid Sculpture - The Patina Journal

Friends,

It probably comes as no surprise that I have a deep and abiding love for the ocean. It’s not just a subject in my work—it’s the lifeblood of it. The rhythms of the tide, the quiet power of marine life, the sense of mystery that lies beneath the surface… these have inspired me since the very beginning.

The Gift is a sculpture born of that love. It’s my tribute to the sea—not just for its beauty, but for its generosity. I envisioned a mermaid gliding effortlessly through the currents, her form fluid and graceful, her arm extended as if offering something precious.

She’s accompanied by two Queen Angelfish—symbols of vibrancy and vitality. Their presence brings movement to the composition, as if they’re guiding her forward or dancing in harmony with her path. And if you look closely at the coral base, you’ll find a small seahorse nestled in the reef—a quiet, often-overlooked detail that brings a sense of intimacy to the piece.

But The Gift isn’t just about marine mythology or artistic elegance. It’s about the act of giving—of carrying something meaningful and offering it to others with open hands. To me, that’s what the ocean does every single day. It gives life, wonder, nourishment, and balance to our planet. It asks for nothing in return, and yet it sustains us all.

This sculpture is a small way of honoring that. A reminder that generosity can be silent and powerful. That the most beautiful offerings are often the ones given freely, without expectation.

And maybe—just maybe—it’s a call for each of us to become givers in our own way.

The Gift, Mermaid

13.5"l x 12"w x 22.5"h

Edition of 24

Bronze

Another sculpture that holds a special place in my heart is Little Mermaid—a more intimate and contemplative piece.

Unlike The Gift, which celebrates movement and generosity, Little Mermaid is about stillness. Solitude. Listening. She’s a young mermaid, quietly holding a conch shell to her ear, lost in the eternal song of the sea. In that moment, she’s not offering anything—she’s simply receiving.

There’s something universal in that gesture. We’ve all, at some point, held a shell up to our ear as children, searching for the ocean’s voice.

This sculpture is a reflection of that longing—for connection, for wonder, for a reminder that we’re part of something larger and older than ourselves. To me, Little Mermaid invites us to pause. To listen to what the world has to say. And perhaps, to remember that the ocean doesn’t always roar—sometimes, it whispers.

As always, thank you for being part of this journey. Your continued support, curiosity, and appreciation mean the world to me.

Be safe, be well, be loved,

~Geoffrey