Sofia Yu
Happiness Bag
Prompt: Inhabited space project: Choose a wearable item and transform it using the skills we have started to develop in previous projects.
When given the prompt, I knew from the start I wanted to create a “Happiness Bag.” Rather than choosing an existing wearable item, I decided to make my own bag from scratch. Conceptually I wanted to create something childlike and overly feminine. Something that would make me feel happy and warm to look at. I was heavily inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, a game I’ve been reminiscing on lately, and the story of the Little Prince. The warm nostalgic feeling provided by these kinds of media was something that I wanted to infuse into my work. I created patches and elements incorporating the wide variety of techniques we’ve used in previous projects, like embroidery, weaving, applique and wire sculpture. I included stars, hearts, rabbits, and so on. I used delicate fabrics that evoked childhood, and trims and beads that felt cute. The result is a patchwork, lined tote bag full of various elements that make me feel happy.