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Psyche Inspired – Platinum Class
Essence
Julia Stephens
February 16th, 2026
Major: Studio Art & Creative Writing
Genre/Medium: acrylic sheets, ribbon, wire, vellum, beads, paper
About the work:
Although we have taken data and distant observations to generate possible models, we don’t truly know what the Psyche asteroid looks like. We only have an “essence” of what to expect. With this art piece I wanted to highlight the beauty in this uncertainty and discovery to come. There is a definition in shapes and form within the sculpture, but the materiality is transparent, representing the idea of leaving room for interpretation of what may actually come to be true. I wanted to play with how the journey to Psyche is just as important and beautiful in shaping the way we will view the asteroid upon arrival. The form of Psyche at the top is made using translucent vellum and printed raw images from the Psyche Spacecraft cameras. I laser cut three acrylic discs that spiral upwards toward the asteroid motioned by the wire forms and beads. With the term “psyche” meaning soul I did not only want to allude to uncertainty of a final product, but also feeling “essence” as the hopeful feeling that comes with the mission that gives Psyche a further depth.
Psyche Inspired Overview
Psyche Inspired is a program that brings undergraduate students from any discipline or major together to share the excitement, innovation, and scientific and engineering content of NASA’s Psyche mission with the public in new ways through artistic and creative works. These works are posted in the gallery above and highlighted on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. View the full resolution images in the image gallery. This year’s Psyche Inspired cohort is known as the Platinum Class.
Psyche Inspired was piloted at ASU during the 2017-2018 academic year. The following academic year, Psyche Inspired expanded nationally! The works from each Psyche Inspired cohort are collected in individual downloadable books that tell the story of Psyche through musical scores, sculptures, painting, 3-D models, photography, acrylic art, needlepoint, stop-motion films, mixed media, and more.
Click here to view all the Psyche Inspired books
Take a look at our comprehensive map that shows how the Psyche Inspired program has grown over the years!
