Shucheng Cao

This project is inspired by my experience supporting my mother through a challenging medical journey, including stoma surgery. During her recovery, I brought balloons to lift her spirits, and their joyful presence left a lasting impression. Witnessing her physical and emotional struggles made me aware of the often-overlooked psychological impact of such experiences.

This work aims to provide comfort and distraction for individuals recovering from trauma. The forms, inspired by the balloons I brought to my mother, are created using wet plaster moulds shaped with distorted latex and modelling balloons. This process produces organic, playful shapes that evoke joy and lightness—qualities I associate with moments of relief. Using coloured silicone and flocked 3D resin prints, I developed techniques to achieve soft, translucent gradients that seamlessly fade between colours. These elements enhance the artefacts’ tactile and visual appeal, creating depth and inviting sensory interaction. 

Each artefact symbolizes resilience and care—more than therapeutic tools, they are gestures of compassion. Combining medical research with creative exploration, the project challenges taboos surrounding trauma and recovery. It highlights the emotional power of design, demonstrating how touch, colour, and form can uplift and provide solace during life’s most difficult moments.