Once again I have been privileged to be a finalist in the biennial Paper on Skin Wearable Art Prize in Tasmania. Changes to the prize include a move from Burnie to Devonport. Thrilled to be able to travel again and attend the gala evening event. Due to the success of the initiatives implemented during the pandemic, in addition to the return of the gala fashion parade a film of each narrative work was also produced.
a-tisket, a-tasketA-tisket a-tasket
A green and yellow basket I wrote a letter to my mother On the way I dropped it, I dropped it, I dropped it, and on the way I dropped it A little boy he picked it up and put it in his pocket. paper on skin exhibition - Design concept: I have again drawn my inspiration from childhood fairy tale, storybook and nursery rhyme sources. The nostalgia of reflecting back upon childhood but also looking through the eyes of a child is a recurring theme explored in this work. The dress acting as a canvas upon which the story is told to the viewer. A grown-up party dress is decorated with flowers and hearts, mimicking the typical marks that are slashed and baked into artisan breads.
Faux batik technique is used to illustrate and paint the strapless dress and jacket. Designs drawn in candle wax are revealed by a Sumi ink wash revealing a surface design likened to baked bread. The overall colour of the work is determined by the substrate material - discarded brown paper flour sacks from Baker's Delight bakeries have been sourced and used as fabric for this elegant ensemble. The finished paper garment: a grown-up party dress, features couture dressmaking techniques (strapless dress paired with matching jacket) showcasing the diversity of paper as a wearable fabric. The pleated skirt is attached to a panelled fitted bodice and self-lined and tucked strapless bodice. A centre back zippered closure is featured on the dress with surface pattern detailing. The jacket has gathered cap sleeves and a loose boxy silhouette. Armholes are machine stitched and bound with paper tape to finish. Paper raffia pompons complete the front neck detailing. The papier-mache plaited bread headpiece, bread ring bracelets and pretzel necklace perfectly mimic the bakery goods they are modelled from, and complete the outfit, reinforcing the baking narrative in an elegant and fun way. There is a sense of whimsy and play extended to the accessories worn by the model. Accessories are inspired by the nursery rhyme 'A-tisket, a-tasket'. The green and yellow basket is woven from stained and painted newspaper canes. It contains a 'letter from my mother' and a bouquet of crepe paper wild flowers collected by our model on her way home. A posy of bluebells, Californian poppies and dandelions are tied in a bow in the basket. Much like the ones I collected for my mother and grandmother as a child. The dress weaves an idyllic and whimsical narrative on a dramatic and discernible silhouette, through carefully chosen imagery, using illustrative techniques, we are transported back to a land of make-believe and pretend, of enduring hope and possibility. A nostalgic reminder of treasured childhood memories. Perhaps a refuge we as adults dream of returning to - a moment in time that was less demanding and filled with wonder. A momentary escape from the harshness of the world. Details - garment labels and flour sack lining.
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Photo Credit (banner image): Kelcie Bryant-Duguid.
Photo Credit (gala and detail images): : Grant Wells Photo Above - Strapless dress bodice and surface design detail.
2022 paranaple arts centre, devonport regional gallery, devonport TAS
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