Psyche Inspired: Olivia Ferrel
Olivia Ferrel
Institution: Arizona State University
Major: Public Service & Public Policy
Psyche Inspired Class: 2018-2019
Elemental
Olivia Ferrel
Major: public service & public policy
Genre/Medium: cross stitch
About the work: Elemental depicts an open skull exposing the chemical symbol for iron (Fe) above it. The skull represents the core of who we are as scientists and artists. Meanwhile, the use of iron serves as a reminder of what makes Psyche so special, seeing as it is thought to be a metal world rather than one made of rock.
The Spacecraft
Olivia Ferrel
Major: public service & public policy
Genre/Medium: cardboard/papier-mâché/flour sack towels/watercolor
About the work: This small scale Psyche spacecraft features colors from the Psyche badge and embroidery with relevant information about the mission, including Principal Investigator Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton’s name and the time frame of the mission. I made this piece after remembering the rockets I played with as a kid, and I wanted to create something you could hold in your hand and connect with.
Parts and Pieces
Olivia Ferrel
Major: public service & public policy
Genre/Medium: wood and woodburning
About the work: These three woodburnings depict the asteroid, the spacecraft, and the names of the Psyche Inspired Iron Class interns. The woodburning was inspired by fellow intern Dagan Sassarini’s “Photosynthesis” project. This is a new medium for me, but I felt that it would push me artistically and help me to explore the relationship between nature and technology.
Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton
Olivia Ferrel
Major: public service & public policy
Genre/Medium: embroidery and watercolor
About the work: This hoop depicts principal investigator Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton on a watercolor interpretation of the Psyche asteroid. I wanted to make this piece as a tribute to Dr. Lindy, and a thanks for bringing humanity to the mission. Her image is centered on the black and purple background to both represent the heart of the Psyche mission, and the potential we have as creators and scientists.
Psyche’s Silhouette
Olivia Ferrel
Major: public service & public policy
Genre/Medium: embroidery and beading
About the work: At the center of multicolored rays is a silhouette of the Psyche asteroid, which is outlined in black beading. This represents the unknowns of Psyche and its potential, the wonder and hope surrounding the mission, and all the questions we hope to have answered by further research and exploration. (Wooden hoop dimension: 9 inches)