To Celebrate 40 Years of Sophia Mundi Steiner School we have commissioned Sally Nansan to artistically create and design two beautifully handcrafted gates, which will stand as a symbol of growth, resilience, and community spirit, welcoming students, families, and visitors for generations to come.

This project reflects the values of our school, embodying the creativity, craftsmanship, and care that have shaped Sophia Mundi over the past four decades.

Our beautiful welcome gates were installed last week, and Sally read her artist’s statement at our wonderful Harvest Festival. We wanted to share it with you all.

By Running Waters

(Softly falls the wattle ~ how the children learn of wonder)

Artist Statement

Under the golden flush of wattle the eels swim an ancient migration. The land hears the sound of children, from many histories and with voices very pure, and black cockatoos cry their longing to the sky. The imagery of Sophia Mundi Steiner School’s 40th Anniversary Gate was gently born from initial consultations with the College of Teachers; discussions where landscape, memory, pedagogy and spirituality combined. Symbolic pictures to signify the soul life (eels) and spirit life (birds), along with the presence of a great river thrumming its song of many running waters, creates a mirroring of the ecological landscape surrounding the school’s present location. The children are their own flowering in this artwork’s landscape, interconnected to the trees, the river and land’s wild creatures, symbolising the Steiner pedagogy and its wisdom in growing the whole child. In the hands of three of the figures is a quiet burning flame, symbol of faith and reverence before the presence of Mystery. In all things I have sought to convey a sense of wonder. The strength of the eels’ migration, the gentle falling of the wattle and flight of the black cockatoos combine: With quietude, healing, resilience and joy, the children gaze in wonder at the risen radiant sun.

Sally Nansen, 2025.