MJSA Design Challenge 2023 – Hannah Smythe

As I uncovered Tracy’s story, I immediately wanted to pay homage to how she discovered the new joys in her life. Initially, everything I was coming up with felt too literal—a motorcycle or something representing Mexico. So, I began to think of more abstract ways to pay homage to this woman’s new life with a nod to how her children might express their love and support of their mother. That’s how I came to settle on a woman’s face as the central design of the piece.

Most of the designs that I do for Toast end up being a little quirky. I like to make faces; that’s just where my head goes. I almost changed my mind on the design, worried that it might be too strange for the piece. But I really wanted a design that showed off the stones. Plus, she is a fun and vibrant woman, and I believe this is something she would want and wear.