Taking Care, Shepherd Madzikatire, Opal stone, Unique, 74cm high by 198cm wide by 28cm deep, Animals and Birds, Nature sculpture

This piece by Shepherd Madzikatire depicts a bird with its head turned back and one wing open, creating a sense of motion and alertness.

The bird is sculpted in a somewhat flat style, yet layered planes give the body and wings depth. Its long beak rests against its back, drawing attention to the elegant curve of the neck. The wing closest to the viewer tucks neatly in, while the farther wing spreads slightly, revealing the tips of the tail feathers behind it. Individual feathers appear along the wings, carefully carved without overcomplicating the design, maintaining the simplicity of the overall form.

The opal stone is mostly smoothed and polished, letting a rich turquoise colour dominate the piece. Certain areas, such as the eyes and some flight feathers, remain unpolished. These touches create lighter accents, adding contrast and subtle highlights.

The sculpture balances naturalistic detail with abstract simplicity. The layered wings and sleek curves convey movement, while the flat plane of the body emphasizes the bird’s elegant silhouette. The combination of polished and unpolished surfaces draws the eye across the piece, highlighting both form and texture.

Overall, Taking Care evokes a quiet attentiveness. The bird appears poised yet relaxed, capturing a moment of calm observation. The polished turquoise opal enhances its presence, while the subtle unpolished details add depth and visual interest.