I'm a textile artist/designer and lecturer in stitch, design and surface decoration. I am known for my use of colour and embellishment in my textile artwork.
In the last year I have been exploring the theme of IDENTITY in my work, and wanted to create distinctive pieces of feminist art. I wrote to all the women I know and asked them to send me their unwanted underwear, to use as my raw materials. From more than 300 donations I created 90m of knicker bunting, and three Bra-ra dresses.With every donation I asked for a story. Friends, family and colleagues sent stories about giving away old favourites, of bigger bodies no longer fitting sexy underwear, of wanting another airing for their beautiful wedding basques....one friend sent me her bra that she was wearing when diagnosed with breast cancer. Every piece tells a story. I received underwear in every shape, size and condition. I have made three Bra-ra dresses so far: ‘We Fade to Grey’, ‘Wild at Heart’, and ‘Little Black Number’.
This month I have a spot on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, from 6-7 pm on 09/09/09. I will be wearing my fourth Bra-ra dress for this occasion. On the plinth I would like to make a statement about women's identity, whatever our age, shape and size.I am making the fourth Bra-ra dress from pink bras - some donated from celebrities/high profile women - and auction it to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
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