This is the final piece I made for the Prosthetic Headpiece project of Integrative Studio class.

This is the side view of my headpiece. It shows the connection horns between ears and mouth and how the mask part can fit the face.

This is the front view of my prosthetic headpiece. The wear is still able to see the surroundings while she can only hear the voices of herself.

Both photos are credit to my teacher Madeline.

Here is my memory which inspired me to create this piece:

When I was in the primary school, I played the piano in front of the public for the first time. It was an embarrassing experience. Although the piece is a virtuoso one, what scared me most is the lack of privacy, the loss of freedom. Because I was an introvert and the feeling of being stared by others or being social frightened me. When I stood on the stage, I felt every sense in my body was exaggerated. The light casting on the stage became strong as the sun, and the sight of every audience become lasers. They burnt me and tortured me, I felt my hands are frozen and my body was rigid, my energy was being robbed. I came forward and sat down on the piano bench nervously, and started to play like a robot. Every bone in my body was shouting “no”, I rushed on several notes and lost the rhythm. However, after a couple of seconds, it seemed that I entered a secret wonderland, an imaginary circle, where only I and the piano existed. So I gradually relaxed down and started to play as it was in my home. I forgot all of the audience and the strong light on the stage. The crazy chromatic runs turned into warm quivering energy, and I felt the beautiful sounds of piano were spiraling over me joyfully. I finally played to my best. I felt that having a private space where we can talk to ourselves freely, listen to ourselves and ignore every outsider is very important for introverts to focus and do their best, so I decided to create a private space attached to our head.

This piece aims to allow the wearer to talk to themselves without being listened by others. It also prevent the noises outside from entering their ears. I wish this piece can give a movable private space to introverts and help them feel relaxed and free when they are surrounded by other people.