I was just walking down the sidewalk in an unfamiliar neighborhood, to see what I could see, when I passed by this church.
I'm not sure those responsible for commissioning that sculpture by the stairs considered its visual impact from all angles. The words inscribed onto its side declare "I'm pressing on the upward way" (the first line from the hymn "Higher Ground") -- beautiful, inspirational words -- but I don't know if the sentiment they express is adequately reflected in the form given the monolith. I can see the sculptor's intention in attempting to literally show the idea of "on high", but still...
Afterthought: Maybe it's actually a joke played by the sculptor on the church elders? Who knows. If that's the case (and even if it isn't), they must have been just as oblivious to its visual implications as the city fathers who O.K.'d this "sly" cat carving for public display (especially if you're familiar with the American colloquialism for cat).
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