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Artist Statement

Rendered image of 3D modeled project from Fusion 360

Growing up with a forest as my backyard has always led me to find comfort in the simple, yet complex beauty of nature. I made this sculpture with the intention to combine symbols of nature, from the Japanese Garden Lantern to Totoro. These symbols emphasize a sense of protection I've felt since childhood, and that protection comes when I'm in nature. I feel a comforting nostalgia, reminding me of playing with my brother or gardening with my parents. In the same way, this sculpture represents the comfort and protection nature provides us as a soothing medicine for our mental states.

Context

The lantern of this sculpture is inspired by an ancient Japanese lantern which was used to light up gardens. It is topped with the Japanese Studio Ghibli character Totoro. In the film, “My Neighbor Totoro,” Totoro is a forest guardian, protecting all the beings that interact with the forest. In the same way, this sculpture represents the comfort and protection nature provides us as a soothing medicine for mental health.

My sculpture speaks to nature in relation to my childhood. Coincidentally, the director of "My Neighbor Totoro," Hayao Miyazaki, based the film on his personal childhood experiences. If you'd like to learn more about the film and Miyzaki's creative perspective, you can check out this article.

Process

I first began with sketches of the lantern and Totoro, which I modeled seperately. I used the image found in the "Context" section as a reference for modeling the lantern. For Totoro, I used my sketch as well as an illustration online to create the model.

3D printed lantern lid and body, and casted hand, all are unpainted

Then I combined my models into one mesh, and exported the lid and the body of the lantern. I had those both 3D printed seperately, and then used an alginate mold to cast my hand with plaster. If you'd like to learn more about the casting process, you can check out this article.

Result

Final Sculpture Painted with Casted Hand Holding it

The last step was to paint the lantern and hand. I chose to go with a natural, worn down look by painting vines on the hand. I also dry-brushed texture onto the lantern, and tried to match the colors to the 3D render in my "Artist Statement" section. This lantern is not only a sculpture, but can be used small battery-powered candles as well.