While working on a project, sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo stepped back to review his progress and was surprised instead to see in the clay the beginnings of this piece. LOVE celebrates in shape and emotion the unconditional bond between mother and child. This inspiring blessing of humanity is worthy of celebration. "I was born in Eastern Nigeria in 1965; I am the first of three sons. I currently reside in Fayeteville, Georgia, with my wife, Deidra, and three children. As far back as I can remember, I have always been drawn to art. Around the time I became interested in sculpture, I was also introduced to basketball, which suited me well, as I am 6' 9". After obtaining a degree in painting in Nigeria, basketball became the avenue for me to come to the United States. I played at Brigham Young University–Hawaii from 1989 to 1993, and graduated with a BFA in sculpture. I then earned an MFA degree in sculpture in 1997 from BYU. While going to school in Provo, I met and married my wife, Deidra. I now work full time out of my studio in Fayeteville. My work is represented in galleries across the country, and my large-scale monumental work can be seen in both private and public sculpture gardens." - Nnamdi Okonkwo