Psyche Inspired: Abigail Miller

Institution: Texas Tech university

Major: Architecture (Minor: Chemistry)

Psyche Inspired Class: 2022-2023

Reflections on Psyche Inspired

Reflections on Project 1: The life core of Psyche

The Life Core of Psyche

Abigail Miller

November 23rd, 2022

Major: Architecture

Genre/Medium: Papier Mache

About the work: The Life Core of Psyche explores ideas of early planetary development and how exploration of Psyche can reveal secrets of our home planet. This piece was first inspired by the suspected nickel-iron core of psyche that is thought to be the basis of terrestrial planets, however development of the project over time revealed themes of life on Earth on the role of our planetary core. The Life Core of Psyche is made with a papier mache base, and several layers of paint applied with varying techniques for optimal texture. The next layer is composed of synthetic leaves and flowers to represent how life can metaphorically grow from the craters of an asteroid. Painted stones have been added around the base of the flowers to create dimension.

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Reflections on Project 2: Psyche Illuminated

Psyche illuminated

Abigail Miller

January 9th, 2023

Major: Architecture

Genre/Medium: Laser Cut Acrylic, LEDs, Wood

About the work: Psyche Illuminated is a culmination of three LED displays (from left to right); ‘Vessel’, ‘Trajectory’ and ‘Collision’. Together these showcase three components of the Psyche mission; the spacecraft, its four orbits, and the formation of the Psyche asteroid. Each component is laser cut or etched onto an 8×8 sheet of clear acrylic and set into a wooden block containing an LED strip. Each of these LED lamps allow for light to diffuse through the acrylic, illuminating its design. The inspiration behind the design is trying to find new ways to “shed light” on the Psyche mission and the fascination behind the journey to a metal world.

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Reflections on Project 3: The Trials of Psyche

the Trials of psyche

Abigail Miller

April 12th, 2023

Major: Architecture

Genre/Medium: Epoxy Resin, mica powder, and gold flakes cast in a silicone mold.

About the work: ‘The Trials of Psyche’ is a custom chess set inspired by the goddess Psyche’s story. Made from epoxy resin and mica dyes as well as gold flakes and glitter, this art piece embodies the life of Psyche from her mortal birth to her rebirth as a goddess. Like chess is played in turns, Psyche faced similar trials from the hands of Aphrodite. There are many ways to interpret chess as a metaphor for Psyche’s life. For example, each piece on the board is indicative of her journey; her husband Eros as the knight who saves her from the underworld, her own royal parents as the king and queen. The colors chosen in this project are inspired by the Psyche color palette as well as the struggle between Psyche and her enemies. This juxtaposition of light and dark, represented by the pink-gold and dark purple-silver pieces, is indicative of the struggle between good and evil forces in her life.

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Reflections on Project 4: Psyche Across Time

Psyche Across Time

Abigail Miller

May 22nd, 2023

Major: Architecture (Minor: Chemistry)

Genre/Medium: Canvas, plaster, water-based brush pens

About the work: Psyche Across Time is a 3D artwork achieved through the process of applying plaster directly to canvas. The use of different spackling tools is utilized to create surfaces both smooth and textured. The inspiration behind this project was a desire to showcase the hard work that has gone into the Psyche mission throughout the years. Beginning with the discovery of (16) Psyche in 1852 and ending with the possible arrival of the spacecraft in 2029, the piece takes you through the course of Psyche’s history. To emphasize the journey, a path has been hollowed out through the canvas and lined with Psyche’s colors to represent the long and winding path towards launch. Along this curved path, a series of important events are showcased; the discovery of Psyche, the mission proposal, preliminary design, the arrival of the spacecraft in Florida, launch of the spacecraft, and arrival at (16) Psyche. Each event has a corresponding drawing and year it took place that have been inked with water-based pens.

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