Aura Suit
This is a physical representation of sculptor's aura. The reflective stainless steel which makes up the basic form is naturally reflective of light and will cause it to light up with the flames and glow of molten metal during an iron pour making it look as though it is made up of fire, similar to the wrathful Buddha, Heruka, depicted in Vajrayana Buddhism. The inside is lined with fireproof blanket, which references both Joseph Beuys’s use of felt and a sculptor's use of welding and it provides some protection from the stainless steel that will get hot while casting iron. The blanket will also be light and fluffy to references the compassionate side of the Buddha that are usually depicted floating in the sky with the clouds.
The harness that holds the Aura Suit on the wearer’s shoulders is also made of brushed stainless steel, leather straps, and both iron and bronze slag. Welded to the front part is a chunk of bronze slag found on the foundry floor.
On the back portion is a brooch-like piece of iron scrap made from a “reaction mold” symbolizes the connection the suit has with the iron pouring experience.