Type 8 - The Challenger

Exploring the Enneagram through Art. (Continued)

Eights are leaders, protectors, providers. Rock-steady with enormous willpower and vitality. They use this to effect change in their environment because of a basic desire to protect themselves and to determine their own course in life.

They take on challenges but also challenge others to exceed themselves. The live their lives trying to be in control and independent as the message they received in childhood was that it is not okay to be vulnerable or to trust anyone. This had often led to Eights having lost their “innocence” early in life by having to put up a strong, defensive front.

This simple embodiment of truth is their true Life essence. By allowing their vulnerability to surface, their self-reliance and assertion dissolves and they surrender to a larger plan for their lives which my very well change the course of history because of their ability to inspire and be truly heroic.

A strong and challenging bull carrying an innocent and unselfconscious, relaxed, little child on it’s back symbolizes for us the Eight in that their essence lies in allowing their vulnerability to surface while also being the embodiment of truth and innocence.

Materials used: Ceramic clay, Sleeper Hardwood. Size: 35cm high x 50cm wide x 30cm deep

Artwork by Matilda Clifford and George Angus

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