Squish is a series of squishy, bright colored, fun shaped foam sensor controllers that entice participant engagement through curiosity, play and discovery. Each controller can only effect one component of the total experience, in this case musical, encouraging collaboration and team work to have full control over the experience. Each recorded experience is unique based on the interaction of each group that plays or engages with Squish. This research serves as an exploration into the elements that spark curiosity and entice a person to overcome inhibitions and engage with an object when the surrounding environment or context does not provide clues or act as a primer, preparing a person for a specific experience.
The latest phase of research was conducted in the course "Play and Social Interaction Exploration" through the Comparative Media Studies program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology with professor Mikael Jacobsson
Critter Masks was born out of the idea of community. We wear masks to protect each other from our own potential germs, but they can be so much more than that. These unique masks are made in fun critter shapes to help make the mask experience FUN! Fun for the wearer, and a fun surprise for others to behold.
Just because something starts from something scary, it doesn’t that it has to stay scary. The masks come in sizes for the whole family too! Making mask wearing something that can be silly and fun helps kids learn that it isn’t scary and a way to be a friend. Masks aren’t just for germs either! These masks are made from 2 layers of 100% reclaimed cotton fabric with a built in pocket for filters to protect against both germs and potential air pollutants. Adult masks come in two sizes with adjustable ear loops. Childrens masks also come in two sizes with adjustable behind-the-head straps to help the mask stay securely in place and minimize interruptions from playtime and fun!
Meet the Litter Critter! He wanted to help his community out and go for more walks so we hit the drawing board. Walks with this guy are triple action—a doggo walk, getting his people some exercise outside, and a little bit of community service. To make the most of walks we dreamed up this custom costume which is equipped with two waterproof pockets to hold litter cleared from the sidewalks to help keep it out of the environment.
While masks are necessary during a pandemic, they are finding their way into the environment. Using a reusable face mask is one way to reduce waste and keep plastics out of the environment. Masks as litter and debris can be an entanglement hazard that endangers wildlife like birds and marine animals, in addition to contaminating habitats. Wearing a mask is about safety and consideration so picking a reusable option like a Critter Mask is a fun way to spread the love and help the Litter Critter have a little more time to practice his fetch game!
Coral and the reefs they create are vital parts of healthy marine ecosystems. They are habitats, but also communities as diverse as our own. Most people don’t have access to, or the opportunity to see a real reef in the wild up close. When New England Aquarium decided it was time to renovate the Indo-Pacific Reef Community tank the team decided to seize the opportunity to create an immersive, floor to ceiling exhibit to bring the beauty and unique moments of like on a reef up close to visitors. We evaluated many tank styles and options and ultimately decided the large curve would be the best way to help visitors get up close and connect with the reef ecosystem to build empathy and understanding of how we are all connected with these beautiful and vital habitats through our choices and actions.
The reef is designed for its many users, from the fish and animals in the habitat, to the aquarists who care for the animals and exhibit, to the visitors to help them see the animals as naturally as possible. It was also designed to represent as much diversity of Indo-Pacific reefs as possible, as accurately as possible, and represents species that are often not able to be displayed in captivity.
Sharks are vital and misunderstood.
Teaching healthy habits through play and the fun of bubbles!
Every year about 5-20% of people in the US get the flu each year, with 200,000 getting hospitalized. (CDC) The most susceptible age groups are children under 5 and adults 65 and older. (CDC) Germs are spread more easily in close quarters like office buildings, public transit, & schools. Some preventative measures include avoiding contact with the nose & mouth, covering with an elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing, disinfecting common surfaces, & hand washing. Kids tend to not worry about dangers they can’t see, like germs, so developing these healthy habits takes reinforcement & encouragement. Since kids spend so much of their time at school, germs have a chance to spread quickly. When students & faculty go home the germs are then spread to even more people. As kids are more susceptible & more likely to spread germs around, they are the most impactful target user
Recreating the 17th century Polish wooden synagogue Gwozdziec roof and all of its interior ceiling paintings for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland.
he entire project scope was documented by film makers Cary and Yari Kolinsky in their documentary Raise the Roof
For more information:
Handshouse Studio and the Museum for the History of Polish Jews
Toys for Elephants is a design/build class that works with the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA to create enrichment toys for the zoo's two Asian Elephants, Emily and Ruth. Through research, observation, and the knowledge and feedback of the zookeepers, toys were developed based on the Elephants individual behaviors and needs.
7" x 7" x 6", Bronze Bubinga Wood, Brass
This award was commissioned by Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to be presented to Graham Nash of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Crosby, Stills and Nash, for his contributions to conservation and environmental stewardship.
4" x 4" x 7", Iron, Enamel, Brass
This piece was commissioned by the MassArt Alumni Association to be presented to four distinguished alumni.
24" x 18" x 16", Bronze, Wood
Exhibited in Ellipses: Alumni Works in 3D at the Paine & Bakalar Galleries
12" x 12" x 12", Bronze
Private Collection
20" x 20" x 20", Bronze
24" x 24" x 24" Iron, Enamel
Exhibited in Intrinsic Form: Creating in 3 Dimensions at the Gallery @ Spencer Lofts
Five Pieces at 16" x 18" x 1", Wax, Iron, Wood
Exhibited in Core at the Gallery @ Spencer St Lofts
16" x 16" x 16", Glass, Pins, Linen, Wood
Much of my work is about learning, refining, and testing new skills. I love the process of building and making each piece. Much like a baker or a musician, it is the repetitious act of creating the work that I enjoy, and the final outcome from all that practice is something I can share with others. For Big Ball I wanted to head into uncharted territory. This piece is 8 feet tall and will be cast in iron. While most of my work is a scale that can be held in your arms, I have always dreamed big. The monumental scale of this work and the monumental task of casting this piece in iron will allow me to test my skills, but also learn something entirely new.
Congratulations to Will, Kate, and big brother on a very special and very royal delivery!
Cheers to sprinkles, jelly, chocolate glazed and everything in between! #NationalDonutDay Dunkin' Donuts
This guy came into march prepared. #InLikeALion
Can you finish the second half of this classic phrase?
We can do it! #InternationalWomensDay
Can you guess the classic phrase pictured above?
2" x 2" x 1 1/2", Urethane Rubber, Sterling Silver
1" x 1" x 1", Sterling Silver