ŪNIT-RED is an updated iteration of prototype.red, my first headset. Expressing myself through art has always felt as if I was releasing my emotions into the sky; as if at any moment the sheer strength of them would propel me into flight.

The process and creation of prototype.red offered reprieve from my deteriorating mental and physical health. Mental illness has always been a struggle for me, especially after going through severe traumatic events as a child. Prototype.red represents the confusion, hurt, and anger I had directed towards myself for undergoing the symptoms of CPTSD and manic-depression in adulthood. I’ve always resented the haunting memories of my childhood and how “broken” I was due to those events. Now, years of therapy have helped me acknowledge that mental illness will forever be a facet of my being and simultaneously challenges me to continue persisting through life.

The evolution from prototype.red to ūnit-red gives corporal shape to my own metamorphosis. In lieu of the wired headset that represents the tethering to the past, ūnit-red features a wireless headset with white wings. It pays homage to myself and my ability to overcome the turbulence within my life, allowing me to finally fly without fear. It may be difficult to accept, but I have finally come to the realization that broken pieces can be combined to form something wonderful and whole. Being able to find meaning in creation and in the small joys of life has allowed me to confidently proceed in the direction of my dreams. ŪNIT-RED undertakes the challenge to live meaningfully and reminds us that we have the ability to soar, even against our greatest adversary: ourselves.