MLEM

2025

Sculptural paper box with hand embroidered paper, kumihimo. 8x4x8 inches.

MLEM was commissioned as a mascot for an AI podcast for a local software company. The purpose of the podcast is to educate and explore uses of AI. Instead of allowing an AI bot to steal or scrape images from artists without permission and generate the art for marketing the podcast, they wanted to work with an artist to create an art piece.

In a way, MLEM is an illusion representing hi-tech with some of the lowest tech materials; the piece is entirely created from paper, thread, buttons and sequins but made to look metallic. MLEM is constructed in the style of jointed stuffed animals with posable head and arms. The door on the front closes with magnets and there is a hidden magnet inside so there can be something hidden inside the chest. The cords are kumihimo braids and rollers inside the treads are rolls of felt.

You can read more about how it was made in this blog post.