Uji
2009 - beech, fir, rice paper - 12"x22.5"x11"
Uji is named after the Uji bridge in Japan that crosses the Isuzu River to the Ise Shrine, the most holy shrine in Japan. The bridge, like the shrine is rebuilt every 20 years. By tradition, those who cross the Uji bridge enter the sanctuary. This sculpture explores transcendence from the earthly realm to the spiritual. The enfolding translucency of the wrapping soji screen provides a cocoon for the transformation from being to rebirth.