SPREAD MY WINGS

For this project, the goal was to create a movable and wearable object that connects with our inner-self. I was inspired to make these flapping wings that symbolize my longing for confidence.

I conceal my internal disconnect from the outside world behind my wings. I still struggle to see who I am and it affects my personality vastly. I am not one to talk about my feelings mainly because I don't understand the discomfort I hold inside. But nonetheless, I try to breeze through life and stretch my wings higher than I feel I'm capable of doing. Despite my interior struggles with myself, I always work to bring myself outside my comfort zone and try new things that can allow me to feel some form of freedom.My concept photo depicts me confronting the darkness and emptiness I try to hide within myself. I am trying to fly higher than I think I can and find the strength in taking risks and living freely. The trees are glowing white to symbolize the energy I’ve found to escape my comfort zone. And the rhythm within the houses display the pop of color and fun I shouldn’t fear in life. The dramatic display of the sky are my withheld feelings that I am confronting so bravely. I feel disconnection with myself but I want to aim higher and free myself of that discomfort that puts me down.

interactive movable elements
parts can be easily replaced
easily taken apart and reattatched
customizable and adherent to any paint
one size fits all

SKETCHES

MOCKUP

MATERIAL RESEARCH

chipboard

push pins

wine cork

belt

PROCESS

I began by slicing congruent pieces of chipboard. I was inspired by the accordian function of my first sketch model with the push pins piercing parts together. Since this worked with the model, I experimented with the same binding element. The next step was to find a material to act as stoppers that envelope the sharp ends of the push pins. I tested this out with air-dry clay, which began to fall off as it hardened. My next idea was to slice pieces of wine corks to fit. I melded the corks with hot glue in addition to piercing them into the push pins. This worked long-terms and didn’t overlap in a disruptive way during the movement of the wings. I struggled with a way to attatch them to my person. By recycling shoelaces and an old belt, I created a corset shape and tied the top ends to my shoulders and screwed the belt into the center nucleus of the wings.

FINAL PROTOTYPE

TO MIRROR MIRROR︎