Through Stone to Light, Circa 2023

Maria Ruisi  

Through Stone to Light, created by Maria Ruisi in 2023, tells the silent journey of a small turtle advancing through the heart of a vast territory. Suspended in a metallic expanse that seems to have neither beginning nor end, it becomes a figure of patience, resistance, and fidelity to its own direction.

The deliberate disproportion between the turtle and the surrounding space gives the work its hypnotic power. The animal appears fragile, but its movement remains certain. It does not seek to conquer the landscape by force: it traverses it slowly. The turtle thus embodies those who continue to move forward when the path is long, silent, or difficult.

The lower part, dense and mineral, evokes stone, dust, the traces of time, and the obstacles encountered. Circular openings and golden fragments traverse this material like signs, memories, or lights still buried. Above, the expanse of gold seems to announce a passage to another state.

Maria Ruisi associates in this work acrylic, resin, pigments, gold leaf, and several 3D sculptural relief processes. Light participates directly in the composition: depending on the time and the angle of observation, the surface reveals nuances of copper, bronze, rose gold, violet, and luminous gold. The reliefs cast real shadows and reinforce the physical presence of the turtle and the landscape.

The verso bears the title, the year, technical information, the work identifier, the signatures, and a handwritten message from the artist:

“Through stone, through dust, through silent ground, a little path to light is found."

This inscription constitutes an integral part of the work and reveals its central thought: even in the midst of the densest matter, a path to light can still be discovered.

Through Stone to Light belongs to the Silent Guardians series, dedicated to discreet presences whose strength is revealed in duration, patience, and continuity.

Original unique work, 1/1. Excellent condition, never restored. Delivered in its minimalist white US Box frame of 51 × 51 × 6 cm, ready to hang. Certificate of authenticity included. Direct provenance from the workshop of Maria Ruisi and Abstract Art Gallery, Riga. The work benefits from the gallery's lifetime warranty.