3D NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
IN HONOR OF ANDI
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The intention of this project was to tell a story through a 3-dimensional structure. I chose to tell the life story of my dear friend Andi. On this page learn about an amazing woman, a doctor, an artist, a generous and gentle person who always found humor and beauty in the world around her.
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The step chest is a type of tansu designed to provide passage to attic spaces in Japanese homes. This miniature Tansu chest measures 2' high x 2' long x 1' wide. Each chamber of the chest highlights an aspect of Andi's life.
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Tansu, front
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Tansu, back
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The Japanese Kanji symbols on the side of the chest reflect Andi's qualities that helped guide her through her illness. From top down - heart, wisdom, strength, and optimism. The three ginkgo leaves at the front base of the tansu provide a directional element to the first drawer, childhood. The frog and turtle drawer pulls of the childhood drawer provide a hint to her whimsical and happy childhood.
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CHILDHOOD: Seven children in the family, all of whom became doctors. Dad is a physician and Mom a Ph.D.
EDUCATION
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Though pre-med, she never lost focus of her artistic side and was an art history major.
Medical school was followed by a radiology residency. The door pulls to this chamber are mahjong pieces, 4-4 being Andi's age when she passed.
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HOBBIES: Photography & Pottery. The coiled paper in the pot says "Just once I would like to make a really big bowl" - A.S.
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TRAVEL: Each piece of paper names a place to which Andi has traveled.
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SHIBUI A Japanese word referring to an ideal beauty, one that is simple, subtle, and unobtrusive. This type of beauty involves the maturity, complexity, history, and patina that only time can bring. 
The eggs are symbolic in the Jewish faith of the circle of life.
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FAMILY
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Family and Faith were everything to Andi. |
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ILLNESS
Andi persevered with every available standard medical treatment. Naturally curious, she explored all options and had long admired Zuni fetishes. The horse is said to impart healing qualities, strength, and wisdom.
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This final chamber serves as a resting place for reflection. The pattern of the Shoji screen doors symbolizes rainfall. Origami cranes hanging top right symbolize longevity and good luck in Japan. A faint image of her parents in the bottom corner, ever watchful.
The mezuzah to the right is at the top right corner of this chamber. It serves as a reminder of God's presence. |
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To Andi
03.31.1965 - 02.12.2010
Your friendship lent me the courage to begin this journey.
Memories of your passion for life and for art compelled me to complete it.
You will be with me on the journeys to come, whatever they may be.
03.31.1965 - 02.12.2010
Your friendship lent me the courage to begin this journey.
Memories of your passion for life and for art compelled me to complete it.
You will be with me on the journeys to come, whatever they may be.