The Puffy Portal
A mosaic of fabric scraps, patchworked together to form a colour changing glowing archway!
Colour, Shape, Light, Fun!
The Puffy Portal is a playful exploration of color and form, created from an intricate mosaic of upcycled fabric scraps. This towering, three-legged inflatable archway stands 3 meters tall and is brought to life by internal blower motors that fill it with air. Custom-programmed LED lights, suspended inside, animate the structure with dynamic light patterns that glow and shift. The light is beautifully diffused through the patchwork exterior.
Inspiration Behind the Puffy Portal
Growing up with a mother who ran a quilting business from our home, I was always surrounded by patchwork and the endless possibilities of combining shapes and textures. That early exposure sparked my love for fabric and design, which continues to influence my work today.
The Puffy Portal is crafted from recycled materials—primarily old kite surfing kites and event banners—which not only promotes sustainability but also adds to the unique look of the piece. Each fabric diffuses light differently, creating a rich tapestry of visual effects. I highlighted the seams by using a flat-lock stitching technique, folding the fabric to one side and stitching it down. This technique gives the seams added thickness, making them appear darker and enhancing the overall fractal, stained-glass effect.
Engage, Explore, Embrace
The Puffy Portal stands as an interactive sculpture that invites people to engage with it in different ways. Some visitors are drawn to its inviting arch, weaving through its legs, while others admire the intricate patchwork up close or take in the light show from afar. And for those who can't resist, hugging its soft, cloud-like legs is always an option!
The Puffy Portal at Bass Coast Music Festival, 2024
Photo credit: Lung Lui
Want the Puffy Portal at your next event?