WEARABLE ART - RETROSPECTIVE
In 2016 I opened a shop on Salem's Artist's Row making hats out of recycled paper bags and other found materials (an idea learned from a former roomate in another lifetime). These pieces were geared to Salem's Halloween culture, providing something fun for visitors and locals.
These early hats were a study in materiality. Letting the character of found materials drive the design of hats was a challenge and a delight - their properties led to new shapes, textures, and ideas about what headwear might be.
My work has evolved over the years. Headpieces have become lighter than the paper bag hats, and flowers and botanicals have become the primary focus. What hasn't changed is the use of recycled materials - the serendipity of finding a piece of fabric in a scrap heap and finding ways to work with it remains a crucial part of keeping my process fresh.
IMAGE COURTESY OF KYLE BROMLEY PHOTOGRAPHY, MODEL - BEKI FERARI
IMAGES BY EVIE RICHARDS CASHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, MODELS: LALA (IN PURPLE) AND AMY BROOKS (IN ORANGE)
