My narrative is a visualization of the process of getting acquainted: from the first impression to a deep understanding of a person as an individual. Through the three-layered structure of the art object, I explore how we gradually shed social masks, confront the weight of personal experience, and ultimately reach the most vulnerable yet vital core—our authentic needs. The toy functions as a tactile tool that allows one to traverse the journey from external idealization to internal acceptance.
Three Stages
Shell — the first layer of protection
It features an intuitively understandable form, composed of simple lines with a discernible contrast between planes. It functions as packaging—comparable to how a person presents a desired aspect of themselves to society.
Material: 3D-printed faux sculptural stone — emphasizing the form, perfectly sculpted to societal standards.
Artifact — Key
This form stores the character’s personal history. Its size is determined by the attribute’s level of importance, which in turn sets the individual apart from the crowd.
Material: polymer that possesses the property of allowing some light through, which helps to emphasize the silhouette of the core enclosed within.
The core—the form of true desire, the manifestation of sincere feelings.
Reveals the nature of inner energy. A sign of trust that arises from genuine feelings and aspirations. Color defines the dominant emotion; form tells the story from which the energy originated.
Material: determined by the nature and spirit of the soul
Mechanics and Interaction
The art toy is a multilayered folding object with wall thicknesses of 3–4 mm, which ensures durability through repeated unfolding. The interior space is designed to accommodate a core socket: it is fixed at the center, preventing rattling or falling out when opened, creating the effect of «a jewel in a casket.» The toy’s overall weight is distributed so that the stone artifact serves as a natural center of gravity, making the object pleasant and «anchoring» in the hand.
The design utilizes a pin joint for the components. The pin serves as a visual reference to the idea that the «seams» connecting our identities do not need to be hidden—they are part of our beauty and history.
The assembly and disassembly are accompanied by slight resistance, creating a pleasant, muted tactile feedback upon locking, without any ringing or rattling.
Series
- «Defense”—a figure sits, knees drawn up, head bowed. Gaze through the openings: eyelids forcibly pressed together. Emotion: unwillingness to see the world, specifically, the fears that are everywhere.
Second layer:
Core: Turtle —. Psychology: The need for safe boundaries.
- «Observation”—the figure stands upright, arms at the sides, head slightly projected forward. Gaze through the apertures: wide-open eyelids, a deeply dark, bottomless pupil expanded so much that it fills the entire orbital cavity; the look is dispersed, as if seeing everywhere at once. Emotion: the desire to control everything simultaneously, the fear of missing something, vigilance, and assessment. „I see what is happening around me to preemptively prevent a threat.“
Second layer: a cube of matte glass that prevents discerning what is inside.
Core: the need for concentration, like a predatory cat waiting for the perfect moment to maneuver.
- «Fatigue”—the figure sits squatting, arms hanging between the knees, back hunched. The gaze, through the openings, is heavy and directed nowhere (out of focus), or the eyes are half-closed. Emotion: Submission and the need for rest. Not self-pity, but a deep, quiet weight. „I have walked a long road, and I just need to be left alone.“
Second Layer: Artifact (History)—“Invisible Load / Stone on the Back.» Visual: A heavy, round stone (material: raw granite) rests on the narrow shoulders. Its unnatural weight forces the character to crane their neck and lower their head. The hands support the head in an attempt to ease the burden. Emotional Trigger: Hyper-responsibility and the inability to ask for help. «I carry this because I am used to the idea that if it isn’t me, then who? But I am so tired.»
Core: A small sleeping bear sucking its paw. Psychology: The need for recovery and deceleration.
- «Anticipation"—the figure stands on one leg, the other slightly bent, hands folded in front of them. Gaze through the openings: Directed into the distance, narrowed, squinting, with a degree of tension, because they are highly focused. Emotion: impatience, the urge to take a step right now, a restless excitement.
Second layer:
Core: the Japanese crane. Psychology: the need for patience, faith in the future, and balance.
- «Inner Strength"—the figure stands in a wide stance, arms clenched into fists at the hips, head held high. The gaze through the openings: Direct, calm, looking straight at the viewer. Emotion: Groundedness and acceptance. «I am here. I have nothing to prove. I see you, and I am okay.»
Second layer: something related to threads, like a puppet master
Core: a wise lion. Psychology: self-control, experience, maturity, external qualities align with internal ones—an excellent balance.
