I landed on this name through my explorations of non-religious spiritual spaces in Japan. I was inspired by the beautiful spaces I encountered that heighten the senses and foster a deeper sense of connection with “the beyond” and that frame “the infinite”. I discovered that a shrine can be non-religious yet deeply spiritual.

I love the re-contextualization of a shrine from religious iconography to something far more abstract and with broader ambitions. In this context, conceptual pieces such as objects, abstract forms, spaces or structures, could all be referred to as a shrine. Shrines whose intent is to connect one to one’s self, encourage a meditative state or frame “the infinite” or “the beyond” can be seen as a Secular Shrine.

Secular Shrine Theory related to Japanese Shinto Shrines. These are often secular in their nature rather than overtly religious, focusing on animistic beliefs, a value system and worship of the natural world and ancestors.

There is value for individuals and society to explore these deeper connections, especially in a non-religious context. There are physical, cognitive and spiritual benefits to be reaped through inner exploration. My body of work seeks to propose guidelines to create a secular shrine for this purpose.

Secular Shrine Theory in this case, is my exploration of what makes a secular shrine, and the application of these guidelines to conceptual objects, abstract forms, spaces and structures.

I want to create my own interpretation of Secular Shrines, in the form of sculptures, that invite curiosity, interaction, and invite you to slow down, become more self aware, inspired, and introspective.

The SS print series are manifestations of Secular Shrines, whose purpose is to exist in an indoor space, whereby people can engage with them, and I would hope for it to inspire meditation or a meditative state, elevated consciousness, and creative flow.