The Ear Cuff Series is a sculptural form inspired by the arcs in M Valley, a hidden digital world that Alvin first discovered deep in the forest during one of his 3D-scanning sessions. After accidentally falling through a portal, he found himself in M Valley, where arcs can be seen in the landscape. These arcs act as wayfinders, allowing anyone in M Valley to locate the M Gallery from far away. Even the digital creatures, like the Octopus Teacher, pass through these arcs as they navigate the world. The arc’s existence becomes a symbol for Alvin, a character tasked with preserving fragments of M Valley before its inevitable departure from Luolake City. Before the future farewell, he brought back the ear cuff from the M Gallery as a gift for friends, infused with the memory and emotion of M Valley. These ear cuffs are found in various M Galleries later on, some even guarded by the Octopus Teacher. Later, Alvin and Jane discover that these M Valley artefacts can be brought back into their physical world and traded as a type of coin, and they begin a treasure hunt with their friends. The ear cuffs are worn around the ear, their sweeping, organically growing shapes resemble a suspended bridge between the digital and physical worlds, echoing both the digital world and physical nature. More than wearable art pieces, each piece holds Alvin and Jane’s memories and emotions, their desires, their dreams, and the uncertainty of their future. All images are copyrighted by GumDesignStore. All rights reserved Thank you so much for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the story behind GUM.
