Unburdened Hermit

Burn sculpture, 2024

Overview:
Unburdened Hermit is a large-scale sculptural installation designed to be burned—an exploration
of the emotional and physical burdens we carry, particularly those shaped by external expectations.
I conceived, designed, and managed the entire project from concept to completion; overseeing all aspects of construction, material sourcing, installation, and burn logistics.

Project Description:
The sculpture takes the form of an oversized hermit crab shell, constructed primarily from reclaimed wood. As both designer and builder, I used layered spirals and semi-enclosed curves to reflect how once-protective responsibilities can become isolating and heavy over time. The interior was built to be immersive—large enough for a person (or two) to walk into—offering a space for solitary reflection rather than social interaction.

This project served as both an emotional and physical labor of love, and as my first sculptural piece at this scale, it challenged me to combine intuitive creativity with technical planning and hands-on construction. I led a small team of volunteers, coordinated build weekends, and handled all safety planning and burn logistics.

The sculpture was ultimately set alight in a public burn ceremony, transforming into a powerful ritual of release and renewal. As the shell burned, it symbolized the act of letting go of burdens that no longer serve us—making space for growth, freedom, and healing.