In Montgomery’s case, there seems to be no face at all. Rather, a visage made up of shimmering crystals that reflects not only the light that bounces beneath the robe of the antique religious statuettes, but a reflection of the era of new age healing and positive intentions. Most importanly, a morphing into two powerful senses of self and being. In an age where new beginnings can be found in a new day, this mix with what can sometimes be the rigidity of Catholicism, is nothing if not refreshing. In the pages of The Ingénue, we delve deeper into Montgomery’s world view, artistic vision and what the Virgin Mary truly means to him. Growing up involved with the China Heights Gallery in Australia, what was it like to be surrounded by all that constant creativity and how did it inspire your own craft? It was non-stop!Learning, practicing, working on jobs. Learning how to be involved in a studio, to watching how other artists, fashion designers, photographers and all sorts worked. It really gave me an invite into all fields of the arts, so I could eventually use all of those skills to manage myself and what I wanted to do. What is it that attracts you to the art form of sculpting? I love building and working with my hands; having something three dimensional in my hands just feels right to me. I love the combination of the spirituality of the Virgin Mary and the mysticism of crystals. What inspired you to make that combination?I grew up Catholic and adored the feeling and power of the Virgin Mary. Then after learning about lot of other powerful forces such as crystals, positive intentions and meditation, I wanted to create an all–powerful woman figure that I felt best portrayed the ultimate figure for me. Why in particular do you use the Virgin Mary and not any other religious symbols? I feel she’s the most powerful woman and female figure in the world. She represents everything heavenly, earthly and motherly. You’ve said that your work is heavily influenced by death and the afterlife, what are your own thoughts on what happens next for us as humans? This subject is quite close to home for me at the moment… I will say I believe the spirit will continue and we will be forever alive in spirit. So many people seem to lose others, and your artwork seems to be a reaction to that feeling. Is there anything you want people to take away from your work? I’m totally happy for people to take whatever they want or may need from my works.