Haniwa

In ancient Japan, haniwas were clay figures found on graves and represented the culture and the deceased. The clothing and animals represented in the haniwas reveal details of Japan during the Kofun period (3rd to 6th century AD). The assignment was to use the red terracotta clay and make a representation of myself living in Utah. I chose to represent the jewelry store I worked in for a while (neckbands) the stain glass shop I worked in (cut out and lamp), the frustration of living in Utah while single (the flames that come out of both arms--not shown). The blue represents the blue of lapiz which I love and the wrap represents the cortes of Guatemala where I served a mission. The choice to make this piece appear southwestern/mesoamerican also comes from studying mesoamerica while in Utah. I chose to make the figure fat initially because I find the girth charming, but I also shaped her to represent the lovely 30-60 lbs I gained in Utah (at different times). Her head is small for stylization and acts as a stopper for the kerosene lamp. The light bulb in the center also represents the new burning in the belly I have here in Utah after marrying John and starting art school.