Creation of Earth | Sweeartist

Creation of Earth I

Materials: Copper, Bronze, Gold, Pure Gold Wire, Gold Sheet, Ottchil, Iron
Dimensions: Ø 26 cm / 10.2 in, H 117 cm / 46 in

Artwork Statement

Creation of Earth I explores the emergence of life, memory, and resilience through layered forms and rising structures. Each vertical element represents an individual path—interrupted, diverse, yet continually reaching upward—reflecting the many lives connected to the history of Honouliuli.

The circular base symbolizes the land that carried these memories, holding both hardship and the possibility of healing. Through the use of ottchil, pure gold, and forged metals, the work combines traditional craftsmanship with themes of endurance, reflection, and renewal.

The lotus-like form also speaks to the deep human longing for nourishment—both physical and emotional. Many who came through or were affected by Honouliuli lived with profound hunger, seeking food, dignity, and the basic means of survival. This hunger was shared across communities: Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and others who endured war, displacement, labor hardship, and deprivation during this period. Honouliuli is not a single story, but a layered history of many peoples shaped by scarcity, fear, and the desire to endure.

As the forms ascend, the sculpture expresses hope, regeneration, and the strength of community in Hawai‘i. Creation of Earth I honors the stories of Honouliuli while acknowledging the ongoing journey toward healing, remembrance, and the essential human will to rise beyond suffering.