2023

Steel, Iron, Aluminum, Wood, Brass, and Copper

34 x 42 inches

"My Knives Set" is a testament to the transformative power of craftsmanship and the celebration of cultural heritage. This set is part of my "Forged Heritage" series and it was crafted during a transformative 3-month residency in blacksmithing at Salem Art Works. There, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression, and found myself drawn to the ancient art of forging as a means of expressing my Brazilian-Japanese roots.

The set represents not only the culmination of newfound blacksmithing skills but also a harmonious fusion of Brazilian and Japanese traditions. Drawing inspiration from both ancestral backgrounds that make up my identity, I embarked on a creative journey to blend the essence of two distinct cultures into single, captivating artifacts. In the forging of each blade, I sought to honor the traditional craftsmanship and cultural background of both cultures.

"My Knives Set" stands as an embodiment of the spirit of forging, not only as a physical art form but also as an exploration of the inner self. The process of blacksmithing taught me the beauty of resilience, the art of patience, and the value of adaptability—all qualities that mirror the experiences of those who straddle multiple cultural heritages.

"My Knives Set" serves as an invitation to embrace our cultural heritage, to seek unity in diversity, and to find beauty in the blending of traditions. In conclusion, "My Knives Set" is more than a collection of functional tools, it is an artistic testimony to the indomitable spirit of forging a cultural identity, honoring the past, and shaping the future with the grace of tradition.

The set is composed of a total of ten handcrafted blades and one blacksmithing stamp tool:

'Seigaha Blacksmithing Stamp'
12 x 3.5 inches & 6.5 x 1 inches
Steel & Wood

'Luke’s Knife Aluminum'
11 x 1.5 inches
Aluminum

'First Knife Iron'
10 x 1.5 inches
Iron

'Luke’s Knife Iron'
11 x 1.5 inches
Iron

'Purple Tanto Iron'
12 x 2 inches
Iron

'Mini Knife'
4 x 1 inches
Steel

'First Knife'
10 x 1.5 inches
Steel & Wood

'Sorocaban Hamon'
12 x 2 inches
Steel, Wood, and Copper

'Purple Tanto'
12 x 1.5 inches
Steel, Wood, Brass, and Copper

'Kabutowari Nordestino Iron'
25 x 1.5 inches
Iron & Brass

'Kabutowari Nordestino'
25 x 1.5 inches
Steel, Wood, and Brass