About:
THE SCULPTURE
Artist Statement:
When I crafted THE FORGIVENESS PIECE, I knew it was more than just an art object—it was a demonstration piece for the journey we all walk. The two intersecting ladders form a cross, symbolizing the suffering, burdens, and painful stories we carry with us. These aren’t abstract ideas; they are the real experiences of guilt, shame, and pain that shape our lives. But THE FORGIVENESS PIECE is about not staying trapped in those stories. It’s about the moment we wake up—the moment we realize we’ve been holding on to beliefs that were never true.
The power of the sculpture is in its form and movement. The horizontal ladder, symbolizing the timeline of our lives, captures moments of difficulty, the “hooks” that keep us tethered to old narratives. But as our awareness grows, that ladder shifts and aligns with the vertical—the truth, LOVE itself. In this shift, something profound happens. The cross no longer represents suffering but becomes two ladders, becoming one, realigned, and a symbol of resurrection. The ladders now serving as a metaphor for rising… above old stories of guilt, blame, and condemnation. This metaphorical resurrection, revealing that peace is always within reach, waiting for us to reclaim it.
This piece is personal and it is universal. I’ve lived some stories, just as everyone has. I designed THE FORGIVENESS PIECE to be interactive so that each time we adjust the ladders, we’re not just observing art—we’re participating in the act of letting go. It’s a touchstone, a reminder that forgiveness is not about erasing the past; it’s about seeing it differently. Every movement is an invitation to shift from the weight of our stories into the lightness of truth, the is-ness of love, and the being of peace.
The sculpture is meant to rest on a clear acrylic platform, symbolizing the clarity we gain when we realize and release illusions. Forgiveness elevates us, just as this piece is lifted above the surface—lighter, freer, and aligned with the peace inherent within us. Peace isn’t something we need to earn or prove our worthiness for; it’s a natural state that we forget in the process of embracing false beliefs.
For those who bring this piece into their homes, I hope it serves as more than just a work of art. I hope it becomes a companion, as it has for me, on my journey of healing and self-discovery—a daily reminder when I forget that I am not defined by my wounds but by the light of Love that is unchanging and unchangeable.
THE KINETICS
The cross is often viewed as a bridge between humanity and the divine, where suffering is transformed into spiritual renewal and resurrection. In THE FORGIVENESS PIECE, this symbolism is mirrored in the motion of the ladders. The horizontal ladder, a symbol of the burdens and attachments we carry through life, shifts to meet the vertical, just as forgiveness allows us to release those burdens and open ourselves to healing. This transformation moves us from a place of separation to one of connection with a deeper presence.
At the center of the sculpture and within ourselves is a quiet guide, leading us toward this alignment. While unseen, this presence urges us to release the stories of conflict and embrace the love that lies at our core. As the ladders align, they remind us that peace is found not in defense or separation but in the act of letting go and allowing love to guide the way.
Displaying THE FORGIVENESS PIECE in your home, workspace, or sacred space serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that forgiveness is the bridge that leads us from suffering to peace. Its graceful motion reflects the power of letting go, aligning us with a deeper truth that brings healing and unity, both within ourselves and in the world around us. As we embrace forgiveness, its impact ripples outward—bringing harmony not only to our personal lives but to the connections we share with others and, ultimately, to the larger fabric of humanity.
The sculpture’s gentle movement invites you to engage with it, reminding you of the transformative journey it represents. By physically interacting with the piece, you are drawn into its message, allowing the act of forgiveness to feel not just like a concept but an embodied experience.
VIENNE REA
VIENNE REA is a sculptor and visual artist with over forty years of mastery in fine arts, recognized for her innovative use of materials and storytelling through sculpture. Her LADDER series, inspired by a vision of a ladder in a dream, explores themes of transformation, resilience, and connection. VIENNE’s work combines traditional and unconventional materials, including metal, hardware, and found objects, to craft a visual language of dynamic forms that communicates and invites deep personal reflection.
In addition to her fine art, VIENNE is the founder and designer of THE LOVE LADDERS, a collection of sculptural jewelry and collectible curios inspired by the themes found in her larger works.
Among her diverse and dynamic creations is THE FORGIVENESS PIECE, a kinetic sculpture formed by two ladders intersecting to create a form-shifting cross. Its rotating movement offers viewers renewing clarity and profound peace, inviting them to consider forgiveness as the experience of a profound shift in perception. This design, like many in her collection, symbolizes letting go of our interpretations of our life stories and allowing them to transform into love stories. This work exemplifies VIENNE’s ability to imbue her art with both universal significance and a resonance that lingers long in one’s core.
Her artworks have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Foto Biennale in Berlin. Notably, four of her ladder-themed sculptures were featured in the Washington Sculptors Group’s 35th-anniversary exhibition, 6 @ 35 – Fabricating Culture, presented by Zenith Gallery at the distinguished 1111 Sculpture Gallery in Washington, D.C.
For more information about VIENNE’s other artwork, kindly visit viennerea.com and theloveladders.com,
FORGIVENESS
Through forgiveness, we rise above the confines of the story of hurt and discover the boundless capacity of love that lies within us all. We embrace the truth of our shared wholeness and open our hearts to a healing that transcends all past grievances. This deeper forgiveness involves seeing beyond the surface of conflict to understand that we are all innocent and interconnected.
Through this profound shift, we rise to a state of true liberation, where the path before us is illuminated by the light of a rediscovered peace, guiding us back to the timeless essence of the love that we are.