2020 Cocoon Designs Public Vote Award $500
Brielle Killip (Lead Designer), Chris Geissinger and Jennifer Garber (Designers) – Colorado, USA
Flower of Life
about the piece
The 2020 Cocoon Designs Public Vote Award winner is Flower of Life. The piece was made by a trio of Colorado-based designers Brielle Killip, Chris Geissinger and Jennifer Garber. Flower of Life is a double winner, having also been awarded the Honorable Roger Jaensch MP Runner-Up Award of $2000.
The technical accomplishment of ‘Flower of Life’ is extraordinary, made from 2,300 individual pieces which have been carefully assembled and machine stitched.
When submitting their entry, Brielle and her fellow artists described the piece as follows: ‘…the flower of life, a symbol of sacred geometry containing ancient, religious value and depicting the fundamental forms of space and time. It is a visual expression of the connections life weaves through all beings, representing beauty, balance, confidence and grace. We wanted to make a bold dress that would make the wearer of this dress radiate these qualities and be comfortable to wear.’
The online poll was conducted between 10th July – 31st July, receiving over 1500 submissions.
JUDGING NOTES
Using superbly iridescent paper from a boutique American mill these artists allow the purity of the paper to shine.
Mathematically engineered….over 2,300 folded linked spheres move both individually and in unison. On the model the work shimmers, scale-like, a protective mechanical, futuristic shield perhaps.
This work could grace the catwalk at any international haute couture show. It demonstrates papers ability to be infinitely malleable.
about the artists
Each of the artists bring a unique set of skills and experience to their projects. Lead designer/engineer Brielle is a formally trained graphic designer and is inspired by nature and mathematical patterns. Multi-talented, Brielle has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington University in St Louis (School of Art) along with a Masters of Business Administration. She is owner of Blue Linen Creative, a design, marketing and communications company. Christopher finds inspiration in function and architecture. Jennifer is inspired by haute couture fashion and motion. Of their process, the artists say: ‘Each design has taken on a life of its own after thorough experimentation. During the design process, the team will build almost the entire garment in white paper to ensure functionality and fit.’ The trio have been 5-time finalists in the Denver Paper Fashion Show.
(Quotes from Entry Submission)