Joan of Arc is a national heroine to the French and was a witch for the English. She turned defeat into victory by rejecting the caution of previous French leadership. Joan turned the longstanding Anglo-French conflict into a religious war. That remains a potent strategy even today!! The serene assurance displayed by this statue in Notre Dame, Paris, made me stop.

Trinity Episcopal Church at 79 Broadway, is a historic, parish church in the heart of New York. It has three sets of fantastic bronze doors dating from 1893. This door depicts scenes from the book of Revelation. A picture is said to be worth 1,000 words but these panels stop all idle conversation. This image is a vertical stitch of three photos taken to capture mode pixels and details – pixels that have to be discarded for web viewing!!

I may have used a little license in the translation, but I am sure that the title of this image is the thrust of the motto. The wall mural was created for the viewing pleasure of those walking past. I suspect the artists assumed they will all be of similar minds so no subtlety is required. The picture was taken in 2006 - less than a half mile from where I grew-up.

ANZAC Square in Brisbane commemorates the participation of Australian and New Zealand armed forces in foreign wars. They range from the Boer War at the end of the nineteenth century to the Viet Nam war. Australia assisted in Iraq and Afghanistan so perhaps there will be additions to this roll of honor. Two statues in this square caught my eye. This Boer War monument brings to mind the classic Aussie: strong, capable competent, brave and independent. His horse is wiry, intelligent and alert. Together, they symbolize the pride of Empire who went to the defense of the Mother country. Here is a classic “warrior” image that is so common in the official memorials to the Boer and Great Wars.

Another piece at ANZAC Square in Brisbane. This made me stop because it shows the harsh reality of war. There is no glamor - people get killed and wounded. The soldier's kit suggest he is at a battlefield aid station but even here, Sister is cool, calm and comforting. Modern "scrubs" may be efficient, but they don't convery the same authority over pain and death embodied in the uniform of this Sister in the Australian Army Nursing Service.

This image of Mary is in St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane. The official description says that it shows her standing with hands extended in trust, open to do the will of God. I also saw a poor, ordinary hard-working young girl. Those extended hands were no strangers to toil and her complexion reflects the harsh sun of Judea. It made me stop and reflect on God’s grace. The sculptor, John Elliott came to Australia from England. His first major public sculpture commission in Australia came from St Stephen’s Cathedral e in the late eighties. You can see his amazing crucifix on the “Contact Page” of this site.

This little lady is in Rinko Park in the Minato Muri section of Yokohama. Maybe it was the Spanish name-plate that caught my eye. The bottom line also has the title in phonetic Katakana characters so that visitors can pronounce the Spanish words. I hope that the top line gives them the sentiment in Japanese. Pronouncing foreign words without knowing the meaning is not really much value.

This guard is around a tree in Quito. Half of the sign is missing but I was struck by the figures. The message was made using a stencil which suggests there may be many more of these protecting other trees around town. What was the original message? Almost anything can be added to “ Association, Friends of . . .and August.” Next time in Quito I will look for other signs and try to find out what those white figures are pointing at.

The small hotel Montanus in Brugge has several whimsical statues in the garden. This figure is beside a long low water tank. I was intrigued by the artist’s choice of materials and style. This is no pool-side bathing beauty. She is wearing long sleeves and jeans. Then I realized the naturalness of her pose. It is typical of any young European, trying to catch a few rays of sun.

I read that sculptors can glimpse the ultimate statue concealed in the original block of stone. This is the first time I have seen that concept displayed with the final product emerging from the stone rather like a butterfly from a chrysalis.

The cemetery in Galveston dates back before the mid 1800s. The monuments have been attacked by hurricanes, vandals, acid rain, and mold. This angel has fallen and now has a broken foot and a chipped nose. Nevertheless, she maintains her serenity. I confess that I rarely thought about the artistic talent required to carve a monument like this. This “fallen” angel helped me dispel that pompous attitude and enjoy the talents displayed by the many details of this beautiful sculpture.

This page from an old ledger was on display in an exhibition of the origins of Brugge. I am sure that the author never expected his record to be considered 'art'. I have always been fascinated by calligraphy and this uncial script holds as much interest as some of Flemish masters on display in the adjoining galleries. The record can still be read after 500 years. We can’t recover the information from a 5.5-inch floppy disk created a mere 15 years ago. Something to consider as we make everything digital.

This pump was cast by Joris Dumery (1787). He was a bell-founder who arrived in Bruges in 1741 to assist in the construction of a new carillon in the Cathedral belfry. The "crouching" dolfin ready to pounce on those waiting to fill their buckets made me smile.

This huge lion was built by William I of the Netherlands to commemorate the location where his son, William, Prince of Orange, was wounded at the battle of Waterloo. The lion is a symbol of courage and has its paw on the sphere signifying global victory. I didn’t know the details when I took the photograph. I assumed it was a fine example of British imperialist art. I apologise. It is just a proud father’s tribute to his son. That I fully understand.

Sculptor, Churyo Sato (1912-2011) moved to Tokyo from Hokkaido, Miyagi Prefecture in 1932 to become a painter. However, his inspiration changed while looking at the works of French sculptors in art magazines. A version of this “Young Woman” was cast in 1971 and is in a private collection. This 1975 edition sits in the pedestrian area of Isezakicho mall close to Kannai Station in Yokohama. I first fell under her spell in 1988 and have watched her age as time, sea-air and pollution take a toll of her delicate features.