Sculpting the Shadow Self in VR:Translating Emotion through Immersive Media

Workshop Description

Introduction (10 mins)

• Brief introduction to the artist and her practice
• Overview of shadow work and its relevance to creative exploration
• Presentation of the virtual environment created for the artist's residency piece

VR Sculpting Demonstration (25 mins)

• Discuss techniques for translating emotion into visual and spatial form through shape, movement, and color.
• Mirror the VR sculpting session on a large screen or projector while narrating the process.
• Prompt for the sculpt: *What emotions arise when confronting your own shadow, and how might these take shape in virtual space?*

Participant Engagement (25 mins)

• Invite the audience to briefly experiment with sculpting in VR
• Open group discussion and Q&A on the emotional and creative potential of immersive media

About the workshop instructor

Carmilla Sumantry is an interdisciplinary creative based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in 3D art, animation, and creative technology. Her work, described as “surrealist dream states and visions of alternate realities,” explores the intersection of art, technology, and human experience through an existential lens. Drawing from her Indonesian-Canadian heritage and queer identity, Carmilla examines the impact of digital technology on social and psychological life, highlighting the value of nuance and diversity in a divided world. Her work has been showcased internationally, including Gallery TPW, Wonderfruit, and Superchief Gallery.

Website: www.carmillasumantry.com

Social media:

https://www.instagram.com/carmilla.etc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmillasumantry/