GYRE VEST
20" x 16" x 7" Stitched polyethylene bags, batting, thread, 2010
Central Concept and Technologies Used:
This space age, reversible, Gyre Vest is composed of polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. The annual production of this material according to a 2008 study by Piringer & Baner is approximately 80 million metric tons worldwide.
A gyre in oceanography is any large system of rotating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements.
In this wearable art work, the stitching configuration is inspired from the circular pattern of prevailing ocean currents. In addition the re_purposing of discarded plastic bags raises awareness about the Great North Pacific garbage patch. - Where the volume of photo-degraded plastic particulate is grater than the number of plankton.
There's trash heap the size of Texas, in the ocean, made of plastic.
When you leave the house, please remember to bring your own tote-bags.
