I was recently given the chance to create the giveaway prize for Eastern Michigan University's TRUEMU Day at the DIA on June 11th, 2015. The Detroit Institute of Art had an incredible Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo exhibit going on during this time.
I really enjoyed the idea of giving the attendees something that they would not only keep, but could use every day. So I choose to make use of EMU's laser cutting machine, which was a first for me, to create sets of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo coasters. In total, 500 coasters were laser-etched, front and back. (Not including the numerous coasters that cracked or were of subpar quality. There was a lot of trial and error.)
I also loved the idea of giving them something unique to open and interact with. 250 outer boxes were screenprinted with traditional Mexican pattern, and various colors/metallic inks. The inside box was screenprinted to represent Frida Kahlo's home and now museum, "The Blue House" and their respective personalities and qualities. The box patterns were then individually laser-cut, and folded into a glueless, sealed box.
My favorite part of this project was getting the chance to create 250 slightly different objects/packages that were as unique as Rivera and Frida.
(The lasers were pretty sweet too.)
