Alice in Wonderland … “Hoo-R-U”

Machine Coiling

My art “Hoo-R-U” continues my textile practices of investigating the “Process of Stitch” and the many alternatives and interpretations using “Free Motion Embroidery.”
Caterpillar was chosen as my design inspiration.

The title instantly became obvious. An alternative to caterpillar’s explosive outburst as Alice approached “who are you?” he retorted as he sat dominantly and proudly upon the mushroom smoking his Hookah. Likened to a must see performance.

I would wonder and consider what personality, character and energy he might have especially seeing as he may have been enjoying smoking his pleasurable appetiser for a while.

My personal criteria was not to specifically emulate a realistic image of a caterpillar upon the mushroom but, to present contemporary art that had visual impact, tone, and texture predominantly using a single technique and the many variables. Most importantly my art must give maximum indulgence, pleasure and curiosity to both the viewer and the wearer.

Caterpillars have many colourful, organic, unique design elements to their structure.

I would see and interpret these features as strong and dominant textile structures rather than the soft, wrinkly, crawly, hairy, scary critters that we dread seeing in our gardens. The coiled forms would rise in strong clusters and flow over a layer of hand dyed fabric.

My caterpillar would sit comfortably within the protected arms of my token mushroom. They were to become one.

Machine made cords were used extensively to create fabric, wispy dangles, coils and edges, to add textural sculptural effects as well as to embellish the surface. My Art U Wear has not been designed around the constraints of a traditional pattern. The preference was for the garment to take on a life of its’ own and grow and flow into a world of fantasy.

My ultimate desire is to connect, both the emotional and visual elements of my art to the viewer.