Eshi Otawara - Death of a Phoenix (dress)

Avatar Name

Eshi Otawara

Real Person

Irena Morris

The Build

Death of a Phoenix (dress)

About the Build

My build represents the beginning and/or the end of an incredible life cycle of one of the most beautiful mythological creatures- the Phoenix bird. Perhaps the most famous description of this bird comes from Arabian mythology. Phoenix is a solitary creature of exquisite beauty which lives a thousand years. It is described to have an appearance of a golden peacock, or even an eagle or a heron- according to various accounts. It lives on dew never killing or crushing anything it touches. When its life comes to an end, Phoenix builds a nest of cinnamon twigs or other aromatic plants and sets itself on fire, burning down to ashes. After 3 days, a new phoenix arises from the ashes. A symbolic representation of the Death and rebirth of the sun. The myths of the Phoenix somewhat differ from culture to culture, but they are nevertheless deeply rooted in some of the oldest ones such as Chinese, where the myth of the bird goes as far as 7000 years back.

In the context and medium of Second Life, I wanted to deliver this beautiful myth to the spectator in a way where one is able to 'wear the beauty' of the Phoenix bird identifying self with what is (perhaps) the most powerful yet vulnerable state of beauty- regeneration.

About the Artist

I fancy to think of myself a pair of capable hands with an imagination of a kid- in the service of beauty and for those with the capacity, willingness and budget for it.

Artist Biography

Born in '80. in Zagreb, Croatia, moved to USA in 2000. Graduated from MSU in Fine Art/Painting in 2004. Exhibited oil paintings, drawings and photography in numerous local shows, exhibited nationally as a part of "Sustained Winds" exhibit organized right after the devastation of the Gulf Coast in the 2005 Hurricanes. Following the unexpected death of her significant other in 2006, Irena stumbled upon Second Life and became Eshi (Japanese, f- 'picture-maker, painter') and persisted in experimenting with the medium ever since.
Her latest Second Life builds besides 'Death of a Phoenix' include the recently open African Rain Club at Robben Island (for Uthango) and Parsec (music and concept by Dizzy Banjo, scripting by Chase Marellan) and a number of smaller building projects. Aside from building, Eshi makes unique metaversal Couture dresses under hew own brand "Chambre du Chocolat".

Images of the Build