Auction for Scotland’s Homeless World Cup team

An international sculptor is hoping to hit the back of the net when she auctions one of her pieces in honour of Scotland’s Homeless World Cup winning team.

Mandy Long has donated a sculpture which will be subject of a silent auction at Jenners department store in Edinburgh tomorrow 17 September 2011.

A long term supporter of the Homeless World Cup charity, Long’s ceramic and glass work has three figures with the first depicting the dejection of a homeless man, but the second and third showing him pulling himself up and then leaping and punching the air football style

The silent auction takes place during a weekend exhibition of Long’s sought-after sculptures at the Breeze art gallery on the 2nd floor of Jenners’ Princes Street store, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Long said: “The piece is a celebration of the fantastic achievements of all those connected with the Homeless World Cup. I’m a great fan of the game, having raised two sons who are both mad keen players and supporters. But I’ve also witnessed the magic potential football to build self esteem in young men through the utter joy of the game.”

The piece itself is made from ceramic and glass and measures 60cm high x 40cm x 60cm. One of the glass pieces is shattered and the figure leaping in celebration comes through the glass.

“People will interpret the smashed glass in their own way I’m sure, but for me it gives a sense of action, immediacy and release of energy. Broken glass is often around when bad things have happened, but there is also the sense that this man is breaking away from the bad things in his life.”

Scotland are the newly crowned Homeless World Cup champions following a 4-3 victory against Mexico in Paris last month in a tournament which attracted 60 national sides.

Bob Corsie, breeze gallery owner, said: “Mandy’s work is always inspiring, exciting and challenging and she has a strong relationship with football and the Homeless World Cup movement. We are delighted to welcome her work to Edinburgh and appreciate her generosity in auctioning a piece to support this fine charity.”

Mandy Long will be available at the breeze gallery on Saturday and Sunday to meet visitors and to discuss her work.