# living with your own ideas

**Theme: Prosthesis**

-everything that is connected to our body-

Day 1: **To Become the Best Version of Yourself**

Initially, I found myself contemplating the physical aspects of my body I wished to change. However, the multitude of options quickly became overwhelming, making it difficult to choose just one. This prompted a shift in my focus towards the invisible challenges I face, particularly concerning my health.

There’s an undeniable connection between feeling beautiful and being healthy; they are intricately intertwined. For instance, my health necessitates a daily routine of medication, which is a critical aspect of my life. This routine feels somewhat like selecting a pair of earrings each day—an enjoyable process that allows me to express myself and match my appearance to my mood. However, unlike my earrings, I cannot choose my medicine based on my vibe or to enhance my style.

This realization sparked the idea of merging these two elements: the beauty of earrings and the necessity of my medication. By combining them, I could create a piece that not only supports my health but also serves as an extension of my self-expression. After several prototyping attempts, I decided to use some of my earrings as a base. I crafted earrings using hot glue, embedding my medication within them. This fusion symbolizes the connection between health and beauty, where feeling well impacts our sense of self and outward appearance.

<figure><img src="https://4047239452-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQy1vSyxxec0XICPNeLNP%2Fuploads%2FKTGkkR7imOkszchxIM7v%2FScreenshot%202024-10-31%20alle%2019.23.49.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d36965e7-0cf2-465a-9b26-e4bc377933db" alt=""><figcaption><p>earring prosthesis</p></figcaption></figure>

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the making
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Day 2: **To Become Something Else**

On the second day, I chose to explore the idea of becoming something else by embodying coral. Corals are unique organisms that blur the lines between plants and traditional animals; they represent a fascinating blend of life forms. Composed of tiny organisms called polyps living together in colonies, corals gradually build intricate calcium carbonate structures over time. Their vivid colors arise from a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae, which conduct photosynthesis to fuel the coral’s growth.

This symbiotic relationship embodies a beautiful connection between animal and plant life, a balance I find incredibly meaningful. Moreover, coral holds a special place in human culture, particularly in jewelry. It is not merely an adornment but often carries sentimental value, passed between loved ones as a symbol of connection and care.

To express this concept, I created a structure using DAS clay, resembling the intricate formations of coral, affixed to a plastic base. I appreciate the idea of being both an organism capable of understanding the marine world and an object that signifies beauty and possession. Corals are often passed down through generations as a family heirloom, making them a powerful symbol of heritage. Additionally, I recalled the tradition of coral horns in Naples, believed to ward off misfortune, further emphasizing the cultural significance of coral.

<figure><img src="https://4047239452-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQy1vSyxxec0XICPNeLNP%2Fuploads%2FQbuTxFlhZ9LGcV5zlUWS%2FScreenshot%202024-10-31%20alle%2019.29.46.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0f48f940-cab0-4b67-9af2-7958b3c5a1b5" alt=""><figcaption><p>coral prosthesis</p></figcaption></figure>

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the making
{% endfile %}

Day 3: **To Judge and To Be Judged**

_As a subject:_

For the third day, I approached the theme of judgment through a unique exercise. I designed prostheses to explore the hypothetical scenario of being constantly under observation, judged, and followed in every action. The central question I pondered was whether such surveillance would influence my behaviors and decisions. Adapting my behavior to meet external expectations seemed unproductive and would hinder an authentic understanding of my personality.

Therefore, I chose to maintain the spontaneity of my everyday actions. For example, if I found myself with an hour free at university, I would spend it studying, having conversations, or even smoking a cigarette. This mindset led me to consider what type of prostheses I might create in this scenario. I decided to incorporate familiar tools to reverse the surveillance process by embedding coded messages within the prostheses.

I wondered whether the detective observing me would be able to decode these messages or if they would be too focused on spotting anomalies, thus overlooking what was “different” within the “normal.” A slight deviation or subtle alteration in an ordinary object might go unnoticed yet still reveal something new and meaningful. The final message I encoded read: "Hope you like me," translated into Morse code: `.... --- .--. . / -.-- --- ..- / .-.. .. -.- . / -- .`.

_Conclusion:_

&#x20;Unfortunately, as the subject of this experiment, the results didn’t go as expected. It seemed that the clues and prostheses I designed were not sufficiently noticeable to catch the attention of my observer. My detective missed them entirely, but at least we ended up having some engaging conversations that added depth to the experience. This week allowed me to explore profound themes of identity, health, and perception, leading to meaningful reflections on how we connect with ourselves and others through the concepts of prosthesis and self-expression.

<figure><img src="https://4047239452-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQy1vSyxxec0XICPNeLNP%2Fuploads%2FteyM73UR1AX4mnSg8pR4%2FScreenshot%202024-10-31%20alle%2019.36.08.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5e4bb27b-2951-4960-9a2a-6d0a5201a4c7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

_As a Detective:_

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<figure><img src="https://4047239452-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQy1vSyxxec0XICPNeLNP%2Fuploads%2F2vYeEAHwo4pdp0sjrtrT%2FWhatsApp%20GIF%202024-10-31%20at%2020.05.42.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a371985e-3c29-4daa-935a-4aee1df40920" alt=""><figcaption><p>David's prosthesis</p></figcaption></figure>



**Reflection:**

This week has been incredibly eye-opening. I had never really considered prosthetics before, nor did I realize how broadly they could be interpreted, not only as physical extensions but also as objects or tools that support our daily actions and experiences. Each theme allowed me to explore different aspects of myself and imagine alternative realities, bringing a new depth to my understanding of identity and self-expression.

Working through these prompts, I had the chance to think deeply, create freely, and embrace rapid, spontaneous prototyping. It was interesting to shift between reflection and hands-on creation, experimenting with ideas that pushed my boundaries. Moreover, hearing the diverse perspectives, needs, and insights of my classmates added further dimension to the experience, as we exchanged thoughts and feedback. This week has sparked a meaningful reflection on how we define and engage with the things that extend us physically and symbolically.&#x20;
