Psyche Inspired
Learn more about the Psyche Inspired program and view other works
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Psyche Inspired: Abigail Miller
Institution: Texas Tech
Major: Architecture (Minor: Chemistry)
Psyche Inspired Class: 2022-2023
The Life Core of Psyche
Abigail Miller
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.
Psyche illuminated
Abigail Miller
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.
