Emily Gibson

Server costume for video ad - Child-sized premise server costume created for a video ad for a cloud and premise data hosting company. Cardboard, foam core, hardware, inkjet. The video featuring the cloud and premise server costumes I created can be found here: http://youtu.be/tLIHxfBEq1g

Vintage corset with tie silk bustle - Vintage corset with bustle created from reclaimed necktie silk swatches, quilted together. Lined with brocade from an old pillowcase.

Mirrorball piñata - Mirrorball piñata created for a unique client event. Made from 100% reclaimed foam core, papier-mache, and silver paint.

Cotton and Copper Wire Pendant Light - Collaboration with an artisan weaver in Oaxaca, Mexico. Together we wove copper wire into cotton fabric to create a uniquely sculptural textile. I formed the textile into a pendant light for our collaborative Oaxifornia exhibition at the Biblioteca Henestrosa in Oaxaca City. A version of this design was requested for the Textile Museum of Oaxaca.

Captain Von Trapp - Whether it’s due to changing styles or simply a desire for something new, people often update their furniture well before the end of the product’s useful life. This led me to explore the idea of reconstruction of a task chair – how could a chair be updated or modified to update its style or renew interest? This wingback is built on a small "Rickard" task chair from IKEA. Upholstered in fabric from IKEA, this version winks at tradition and delves into whimsicality bordering on absurdity.

Felt Necklace - Felt is a wonderfully compelling material. It’s industrial and yet soft, pliable, and familiar. I experimented with felt in the studio to see what unexpected shapes and designs it could become. With these necklaces I use long strips of felt that are coiled or folded to create 3-dimensional forms. I am committed to environmentally responsible design. The felt I use is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and I strive for zero waste.

Dissecting a Task Chair - Installation - I disassembled a ubiquitous upholstered task chair for my thesis, the Recyclability of the Task Chair. For this exhibition, I mounted the parts to the wall in a high-traffic hallway. I included text which explained the disassembly project, how long it had taken, how many parts were included (over 65), and how many of the parts were readily recyclable (none). I showed the estimated lifespan of the chair in an office (usually 3-5 years) and in a landfill (parts ranging up to a million years).