Colorful artistic depiction of the Psyche asteroid with textured surface and vibrant hues on a dark background

Psyche Inspired

Visit the Psyche Inspired Showcase April 16-30!

Apply for the Psyche Inspired Gold Class by August 28!

Planetesimal

JACQUELYN SUBLETT

May 29th, 2026

Major: Ceramics & Physics

Genre/Medium: High Fire Clay Body, Raku Glaze

About the Work: 

“Planetesimal” is a pair of plates that visually interpret data reflecting planetesimal distribution. It is theorized that asteroid Psyche is the exposed metallic core of an early differentiated planetesimal that was disrupted by collisions. This project explores how Psyche offers a rare opportunity to study the internal structure of terrestrial planets. These plates are composed of a high-fire clay body and fired using Western-Style Raku. Natural materials, including honey, sugar, and wood, are incorporated to create the carbon inlay designs. On the first plate, lighter grey speckles and a singular brush stroke, formed through the use of sugar and honey, represent particles continuously encountering the planetary body. On the second plate, darker grey/black circular markings, created with honey, sugar, and wood, symbolize the scattering of planetesimal material both inward and outward as a result of collision dynamics.

View the Full Project

 

Meet the Interns

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 X, 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