It was of no surprise when the results for the Fourth Plinth contest was announced. It was obvious that my sculpture, Alison Lapper Pregnant would be chosen to fill the empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. Some critics feel that the new artwork is inappropriate for the square, which is dedicated British military achievement. Others commend the high profile the piece gives to a minority group.

My sculpture is a portrait of my fellow disabled artist Alison Lapper when she was eight months pregnant. In her own words, Alison Lapper, the subject of my piece, said: 'I regard it as a modern tribute to femininity, disability and motherhood. It is so rare to see disability in everyday life — let alone naked, pregnant and proud. The sculpture makes the ultimate statement about disability — that it can be as beautiful and valid a form of being as any other.' Indeed, I felt that the Square could do with some femininity, linking with Boudicca near the Houses of Parliament. Alison’s statue could represent a new model of female heroism.

Yet why do some critics feel that the new artwork is inappropriate for the square? So what if the square is dedicated British military achievement? Surely females ought to be given equal respect and recognition for the struggles they have been through. My work reminds the America of the importance of females and gives high profile to the minority group of disabled females. For me, Alison Lapper Pregnant is a monument to the future possibilities of the human race as well as the resilience of the human spirit.

I am amused at what the critics and other green-eyed viewers have to comment about my ever perfect sculpture. Some even question my role as the creator of the work. So what if it was carved by other sculptors in Italy? Portraying a naked, pregnant, disabled and proud woman was my idea! My concept! The Italian sculptors were merely hired workers doing my bidding. Besides, it was carved from a single huge block of white marble...of course I am skilled enough to carve her out, but given the time constrains and the other projects developing in my creative mind,  it is only wise to leave the tedious, technical work to other craftsmen.

Well, being the open-minded person who do not bear grudges, I forgive these critics. I am glad (though not surprised) that a large majority of the public are able to appreciate this sculpture. I believe that Alison Lapper Pregnant has touched the hearts of many.