ANASTASIA WU

We were given random materials to create an artwork for this project. We have to use all of the materials provided and no other materials can be used except connecting materials. I was given 317 pieces of clear plastic cup lids. The clearness of the cup lids reminds me of jellyfishes. Jellyfish is one of the major food sources of sea turtles. Sea turtles often identified plastic bag in the sea as jellyfish. Sea turtles cannot digest plastic, of course, so the plastic bag will stay in the turtle's stomach until it dies. The connection between jellyfish and plastic inspires me for this piece. First, I divided all lids into two groups: one is to form the bell-shaped body and another group is to form the tentacles. I did some calculations to know how much lids I’m using for each group. Then I cut the lids into one long continuous plastic to make the tentacles. Then I use the heat of a candle to melt the edge of every lids to get a wavy edge, to make it look more like a jellyfish. Then, I connect each piece of clear plastic cup lids by using hot glue gun. I built the base of the bell-shaped body in a hexagon, then built the dome and the tentacles. I attached a LED colorful light in the top of the dome, manipulated the colorful jellyfish.