About this Piece
Carl Jung, the eminent psychologist, 1875-1961, had this carved, in Latin, over the front door of his house in Zurich. This was to remind those entering that ‘Awe of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.’ Psalms 111.10
VOCATUS – ATQUE – NON – VOCATUS – DEUS – ADERIT
The words are said to originate from the reply given by the Delphic Oracle to the Spartans when they were planning a war against Athens:’Yes, the Gods will be present, but in what form and to what purpose?’
Jung came across this when, as a student of 19 years, he was studying a Latin collection of analects, or jottings, by Erasmus, the Renaissance scholar and humanist. It is also carved on Jung’s tombstone.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 inches (24 x 19cm)
About the Maker
Fellow artists Brian Scott-McCarthy and Kathleen Smyth founded Wild Goose Studio in 1970. Together with other leading Irish artists, they created a unique range of artifacts that take inspiration from Ireland's rich cultural heritage and the contemporary world. Each piece starts with an inspiring thought, an image or an emotion and is given a physical form by their craftspeople.
It all starts with the marriage of an idea or meaning with an image. One of the artists will then carve that image into a sculpted piece which becomes the original from which they create a mold, so they can then faithfully reproduce the image in full detail. The production process itself starts with metal powders such as bronze or cast iron which form the outer surface of the finished piece and the inner is created from a cold cast pouring. Once the piece is set, they polish it to reveal the beauty hidden beneath.
Many of their pieces reflect Ireland's Celtic history, with its stone carvings and evocative language, while others are inspired by contemporary authors, philosophers, and the moments and milestones in life that shape our human experience.
