European Memories
Shadow Memory Boxes & Vacation Shirts for London, Paris, and Zurich
About This Project
In August 2023, my family and I embarked on our first European adventure, visiting London, Paris, and Zurich. This project was created as an anticipatory exploration—designing shadow memory boxes and vacation shirts before our departure to capture the essence of what we hoped to experience in each city.
Each shadow box serves as a three-dimensional preview of iconic landmarks, cultural symbols, and planned activities, while the accompanying shirts were designed to be worn in their respective cities, creating a tangible connection between expectation and experience.
This unique approach to travel art explores the concept of creating memories before they happen— transforming research and anticipation into artistic expression that would later be enriched by the actual journey.
Year
2023
Medium
Shadow boxes, textile design, mixed media
Location
Cambridge, MA
City Elements
Each shadow box and shirt design captures the essence and anticipated experiences of our European destinations
London
Shadow Box Elements:
- •Map of London screenprinted on brown rag paper
- •British Airways model of plane
- •Twinings teabag
- •Things to Do screenprinted on paper
- •£50 printed
Paris
Shadow Box Elements:
- •Disney Paris printed
- •Mini suitcases
- •Things to do screenprinted on paper
- •Map of Paris screenprinted on rag paper
- •Newspaper screenprinted on newsprint
Zurich
Shadow Box Elements:
- •Map of Zurich screenprinted on rag paper
- •Things to do screenprinted on paper
- •Postcard screenprinted on bristol board
- •Street sign laser engraved
Creative Process
This project represents a unique approach to travel art—creating memories before the journey begins. Each shadow box served as a visual itinerary, while the shirts became wearable souvenirs that connected us to each destination throughout our European adventure.
Shadow Memory Boxes
Each box was carefully curated with miniature representations of iconic landmarks, cultural symbols, and planned activities. These three-dimensional previews helped build anticipation and served as conversation starters about our upcoming journey.
Vacation Shirts
The accompanying shirts were designed to be worn in each respective city, creating a tangible connection between the anticipated experience and the actual journey. Each design incorporated city-specific motifs and color palettes that reflected our expectations and research.
"This anticipatory approach to travel art transforms the excitement of planning into tangible creative expression, bridging the gap between imagination and experience."