The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world - Sculpture by Katherine Kemp, Robyn Walker & Pip Gilbert

Katherine Kemp, Robyn Walker & Pip Gilbert.
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
Mixed Media Installation

The foundation for our collaboration has stemmed from a well known quote that has traditionally praised motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world.

“The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”  
- William Ross Wallace

Our sculptural response explores what the cradle means and represents. We hope to open up the conversation on how we can all 'rock the cradle' to create change and shift thinking and behaviour. The cradle of life, society and corporate culture all have a vital role to play in improving outcomes for both men and women. We are all human.

As it is "up to us” in this moment we propose that in order to make meaningful change that creates true impact we need to change the narrative to start from the place of being human first and foremost. Any of us can be innovators of change in society. It starts with an idea, a thought, a question, a curiosity of what if, that in its infancy is fragile and vulnerable and suspended in a space in between an idea and a revolution. A space where anything can happen, where it is flexible, it can change, grow, expand or dissipate however any change or innovation starts with a single idea if you are brave enough to start the conversation.

It's not just up to us. It's up to all of us and as designers it’s up to us to ensure we design for the end user. It’s about putting ego aside and listening and thinking deeply about things and finding the right answer.

Interlocking male and female parts were cut from a repurposed kitchen panel and woven together in unexpected ways along a delicate central spine. Recycled seatbelts suspend the structure and provoke thought on what it can mean to not consider ‘all of us’  Seatbelts are an essential safety item in modern society that were actually designed for mens bodies. Failure to consider 'all of us’ and or the end user in the design process can lead to serious harm and even death. We must all rock the cradle to improve outcomes.