Snake arms and crystal legs: Artificial limbs push boundaries of art

By Sheena McKenzie, CNN

Updated 1257 GMT (2057 HKT) April 25, 2013

The Alternative Limb Project is producing beautiful artificial limbs, including this "snake arm," used by British swimmer and amputee Jo-Jo Cranfield, pictured.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – The Alternative Limb Project is producing beautiful artificial limbs, including this "snake arm," used by British swimmer and amputee Jo-Jo Cranfield, pictured.

Hide Caption

1 of 10

"I've never felt uncomfortable about my limb (or should I say lack of)," says Cranfield, "but this experience has given me a different sort of positive outlook on myself."

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – "I've never felt uncomfortable about my limb (or should I say lack of)," says Cranfield, "but this experience has given me a different sort of positive outlook on myself."

Hide Caption

2 of 10

Sophie de Oliveira Barata is director of the Alternative Limb Project (ALP). She says she is challenging the belief that prosthetic limbs should aim to look as realistic as possible.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – Sophie de Oliveira Barata is director of the Alternative Limb Project (ALP). She says she is challenging the belief that prosthetic limbs should aim to look as realistic as possible.

Hide Caption

3 of 10

Model and singer Viktoria Modesta wore one of Barata's creations -- a Swarovski jewel-encrusted leg -- while performing at the closing ceremony of the London Paralympic Games.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – Model and singer Viktoria Modesta wore one of Barata's creations -- a Swarovski jewel-encrusted leg -- while performing at the closing ceremony of the London Paralympic Games.

Hide Caption

4 of 10

"It was really fascinating watching people's reactions because most of them were speechless," says Modesta of the experience -- adding that she enjoyed using her glamorous accessory to confront negative stereotypes about amputees' abilities.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – "It was really fascinating watching people's reactions because most of them were speechless," says Modesta of the experience -- adding that she enjoyed using her glamorous accessory to confront negative stereotypes about amputees' abilities.

Hide Caption

5 of 10

Modesta collaborated with de Oliveira Barata on ALP's first prosthesis, which incorporates stereo speakers. "It's a special piece that needs to be exposed only in special circumstances to be fully appreciated," she says.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – Modesta collaborated with de Oliveira Barata on ALP's first prosthesis, which incorporates stereo speakers. "It's a special piece that needs to be exposed only in special circumstances to be fully appreciated," she says.

Hide Caption

6 of 10

ALP now creates prostheses for a wide range of clients, including British ex-serviceman Ryan Seary, who lost his left hand and lower left leg in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He now boasts a striking custom limb, featuring anatomically correct muscles and bones.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – ALP now creates prostheses for a wide range of clients, including British ex-serviceman Ryan Seary, who lost his left hand and lower left leg in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He now boasts a striking custom limb, featuring anatomically correct muscles and bones.

Hide Caption

7 of 10

"I think 99% of the amputees I have met would like an alternative limb as we tend to think of our prosthetics more as items of clothing, like extended shoes or accessories, of which everyone has their own individual style," says Seary.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – "I think 99% of the amputees I have met would like an alternative limb as we tend to think of our prosthetics more as items of clothing, like extended shoes or accessories, of which everyone has their own individual style," says Seary.

Hide Caption

8 of 10

Kiera Roche, chairperson for charity LimbPower, says getting an alternative limb changed her perception of her lost limb. "I think losing a limb has a massive impact on one's self esteem and body image," she says. "Having a beautifully crafted limb designed for you makes you feel special and worthy.

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – Kiera Roche, chairperson for charity LimbPower, says getting an alternative limb changed her perception of her lost limb. "I think losing a limb has a massive impact on one's self esteem and body image," she says. "Having a beautifully crafted limb designed for you makes you feel special and worthy.

Hide Caption

9 of 10

Roche is now delighted to wear the floral-design leg: "I've had an incredible response to the leg from other amputees and able-bodied people. I just wish I had more opportunities to wear it. I need to go to more parties!"

Photos: The Alternative Limb Project

The art of prosthetics – Roche is now delighted to wear the floral-design leg: "I've had an incredible response to the leg from other amputees and able-bodied people. I just wish I had more opportunities to wear it. I need to go to more parties!"

Hide Caption

10 of 10