Portable Safe Place

This, the last assignment for 3D class, was a challenge for me. My teacher was counting on me to come up with a really great concept since she knew of my experience with the theme of the project.
We were challenged to create, with wood, a sculpture that also has a practical use-a tool to aid or cure an intangible, emotional or psychological issue, preferably something we have felt before.
So I created my portable "safe place." A home away from home to remind me of all the people back home who love me and care about me. It's a tool to help homesickness, depression, loneliness, and feelings of not belonging. There are little hollowed out compartments that hold my favorite pictures, notes from some of my best friends and family, a little metal heart given to me, a bit of fur from my dogs, squares of spare fabric from curtains and pillows in my room back home, and a scrap of canvas soaked in turpentine, which I love the smell of. My heart and soul went into this project.