Mei-Mei Sculpture

Taun Olson, a recognized artist in Scottsdale, AZ, has created an amazing sculpture of a Chinese girl called Mei-Mei (Little Sister). After meeting a friend’s daughter who was adopted from China, Taun was touched by her story in such a way; he began visualizing a piece he wanted to create that would tell the story of Chinese babies and their journey to find a forever family.

The beautiful Mei-Mei sculpture takes ones breath away the minute her upper body, shaped in the form of a heart, is recognized. Throughout her hair there are eight special symbols hidden. You will notice a heart with a brick wall symbolizing the many barriers each child has to overcome in order to experience trust and love in their new family. Behind her pony tail is a silhouette of the Chinese birth mother pregnant with her child, dreaming of a new life for her baby. Above the birth mother, a melting clock illustrates the time the little girl waits for her forever family to take her home. You will also find a Chinese lantern to light her way through her life and forever light the way for her Chinese ancestors to find her; as celebrated each Chinese New Year. Near her right ear is an image of the Chinese Dragon, the divine, mythical creature of China’s culture that is believed to bring abundance, prosperity and good fortune. Many Chinese mothers travel a long way to leave their babies in larger cities, in hope of their baby receiving the best care possible. To illustrate this journey and the baby’s journey yet to come, railroad tracks are running just under the dragon’s feet. At the back of the sculpture is the Chinese symbol for “Family” which is also a synonym for “Home”. And finally, at the top of the sculpture is a map of China and the U.S. connected by a red thread that shows the journey from East to West. It is believed that an invisible red thread joins those in life who are destined to connect, regardless of time, place or circumstances; the thread may stretch or tangle but never break.

The artist’s gift will go beyond providing a significant and touching sculpture to those who purchase and come into contact with a Mei-Mei. Taun is donating all proceeds of each sale of a Mei-Mei sculpture to Henan Kids International. He began conceiving the idea of Mei-Mei in order to create a significant piece of art that would touch the lives of adoptive parents, Chinese children and family members. However, he also wanted to ensure that the babies left behind in China have an opportunity to thrive while they wait for their forever families; exactly the same mission as Henan Kids International is working to achieve.

With two recent sales, there are only 15 additional Mei-Mei sculptures available. In order to ensure this piece is not over produced only 20 sculptures will be made in total. Each piece will not only remain emotionally valuable to each family who brings one into their home; the Mei-Mei sculptures are numbered and will also appreciate in financial value over the years. This wonderful piece of art will continue to touch many lives, adoptive families, Chinese boys and girls who have found their forever families and those babies and children still left behind in the Henan Province.

To see more pictures of Mei-Mei and learn how you can bring her into your home, please see either website: www.taun.com or www.chinacharm.org (gift shop at CCAI).