Interview Series: Emily Reppert

Next up in our Student Interview Series is Emily Reppert. Emily is a weaver with a background in print design. Hear her tell her design story in her own words. She'll be graduating this December with her Master's of Science in Textile Design. 

Science has always been at the root of what has inspired my art as well as design. In the past, I was attracted to the “rule breaking” theories of quantum mechanics and groundbreaking processes like CRISPR gene editing. I have also been inspired by the oddities of nature born from the lack of light and resources in the depths of the ocean. More recently I began to reflect on why I keep returning to science as a subject. As defined, science is a process which allows for better understanding of the environment that surrounds us through the use of a clear structure. We rely on science as a given, a truth. However, science as we understand it today, did not always exist. Alchemy was the precursor to science and was known as an art form. These topics are scientific in theme, but have an underlying intrigue that is more akin to the mystical and philosophical. Taking this into consideration I have shifted my current focus to look at the scientific process as a whole and specifically the precursor to science, alchemy.I interpret these concepts through the use of jacquards and dobby wovens incorporating techniques such as pile, cut floats, and deflected picks. I also experiment with materiality by utilizing elastomeric and unusual materials including metal, pipe cleaners, and latex.

 How did you choose Textile Design as a major?

I was interested in learning how to take print artwork and transform it into a woven textile. Jefferson was one of the only schools I found that had hands-on learning with not only Jacquard programs such as EAT and Pointcarre, but also the opportunity to weave on multiple industry looms on-site. Overall I felt the M.S in Textile Design program provided the technical and creative skills I would need to succeed in the industry.

 Do you have a background in design or textiles?

I have a BFA in Crafts with a focus in Fibers and an Art History Minor from Tyler School of Art of Temple University. I had also worked as a CAD/Print designer for Iron Mountains LLC for 7 years prior to attending Jefferson’s M.S. Textile Design program.

Tell us about the colours, landscapes, artists, or architecture that inspire your design work.

In the past, I have found color inspiration from unusual sources such as bacterial cultures, creatures that arise from the depths of the ocean, and tiny sea slugs called nudibranchs. I have also been drawn to the subtle and deep brilliance of colors that occur in low light situations after seeing the fantastic exhibition, Dark, at MASS MoCA. More recently, I have been looking at works by the artist Alexandar Calder and his use of motion and play in The Circus (1927).

What is your favourite book of all time?

 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. I read it in the fourth grade, and it was the first time a book really got my imagination going. The book also involved the concept of time travel through the 5^th dimension beyond that of time, the 4^th dimension. Science continues to be a source of inspiration for my designs to this day.

Which design from your portfolio are you most proud of, or is most special to you?

I had the opportunity to collaborate with a fashion design student, Tommy Heidebrecht, and create a custom textile for his senior collection. What we developed together was beyond what either of us could have come up with on our own. The textiles themselves were two mirrored 60” engineered jacquards for the pants and a wool crepe double cloth fabric created for the top. His collection was chosen to walk at NYFW, and I had the opportunity to go and witness it first-hand. It was amazing!

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What would you like to be doing in 5 years?

I would love to be working as a fabric or rug designer for home textiles. More specifically, my dream is to be able to create the technical files for textiles that are made right here in the United States. The number of textile manufacturing mills remaining in the U.S are small, but they exist! 

What is your favorite thing to do to distract yourself from school stress?

I like to escape to the Wissahickon Valley Park trails! Just a few feet from school is a whole network of dirt and gravel trails in the woods surrounding Wissahickon Creek. A walk is nice, but to be able to hike deep in the woods is stress relief on a whole other level.