As an introduction to our integrative studio class, our professor asked us to define our personal space through a boundary-based trust exercise. The task itself required me to permit someone who I wasn’t particularly acquainted with to step into my personal space and then marking the points by which I began to feel uncomfortable. After that is completed, we were tasked with creating an item that represents either the extension or defense of our personal space.
My personal space boundaries were particularly large. As someone who was raised in the city, I never received much personal space in this extremely crowded city, therefore causing me to value the little of it I get. It also proves to be my defense mechanism against people who could potentially emotionally harm me. For me distance is key whether it be literal or metaphorical. That is why I decided to construct a hot air balloon for my project. Through a hot air balloon I am able to keep a good amount of space between me and those who by which I do not want to be around. Though the journey may be out of my hands (as life ultimately is) I am able to grow and develop on my own accord. At the same time, within the hot air balloon basket I am able to permit select people in, therefore allowing them to join and aid me in my extensive journey.
