In this project I explored how the human body could be intervened with from its performance in an average Western life. I researched a multitude of ways the body has historically been intervened with; including cosmetic procedures, corsetry, prosthetic limbs and psychotherapy. This project was driven by my need to understand the relationship between the human mind and body.

​

I pursued primary research on the body, viewing samples of my blood and saliva under a microscope, visiting a cemetery and documenting the emotional experience, listening to the beat of my heart and conducting and comparing interviews of people with different life experiences such as plastic surgery, deep devotion to religion and a history drug use. I was extremely drawn to the intersection of physical and metaphysical experiences and I wondered how I could create a positive experience where the physical meets the metaphysical.

​

Focusing on ideas of meditation and human connection, I designed a pair of identical garments that would encourage a series of connective activities through the body. These garments were classic shirts but with extendable buttoned sleeves that connect to one another, encasing the hands of two users and encourage the act of handholding between them. The shirts have a hidden slit and cut-out on the upper chest, allowing for users to insert a stethoscope and listen to each other’s heartbeat.