BEHIND THE SEAMS: ARTAWEARNESS PT.1

Every year ACAD holds a special event,  ArtaWEARness that showcases a diverse variety of artists with one-of-a-kind creations presented through performance. Last year’s ArtaWEARness was no different and you can expect an amazing show.

I had the chance to sit with 4 such artists who will be a part of this exciting event held on both March 4^th and 5^th. Due to its popularity it needs two days to allow all the guest who wish to see the event the opportunity.

Well into her final year Elisabeth Cartwright is completing her BFA in Glass and has substantially achieved much in her career. Her work has been in numerous exhibits and in 2009 she was included in the GAS Conference. Where she was only one of two artist to sell their pieces. She will also be attending this year in Seattle.

For her contribution to ArtaWEARness Elisabeth based it on a conversation she had with her 4 year old niece. The question was “what do you want to be when you grow up?” her reply was “I want to be Barbie” her concept is to have models of all shapes and sizes walking down the runway in the same outfits and aviator sunglasses to disguise their expressions, like a production line at a factory. The finale will be the models ripping off their outfits, which represent the copies of each other, to “Break out of their moulds” and no longer be constricted by what society has labeled as perfection. Her little niece will also play a part in the performance but not to ruin the surprise you will have to see the performance to know what that part is.

CF: From your point of view how do you think has fashion influenced women in society?

EC: I think it’s a strong and positive image for women, but I wish it wasn’t so focused on size and size 2 models.

CF: What has influenced the concept of your designs?

EC: Women no longer being seen as objects and not having to fit into the mold of perfection. That’s why I have models of all different sized and skin colors

CF: If you could create a garment with glass what would it be? and how?

EC: I already have breast pieces, but I want to push people perception of ‘invasive touch’ whereas in a gallery glass pieces are not really touched by people because they feel like it’s too fragile I want people to see it worn and in an intimate way and provoke people to touch it.

CF: How would you define your style?

EC: How I would define my style would be somewhat free. I mix and match and like to feel comfortable and confident in what I am wearing. I also love changing up my style as much as possible, finding unique fashion in vintage stores to ordering rare pieces from half way across the world.

CF: How do you think your current creative environment influences your style?

EC: When you live and breath within a community that is exceptionally creative I feel that boundaries are somewhat eliminated. Because everyone around you is so creative it makes you brake out of certain moulds you may have constructed for yourself. Personally with my style it has definitely opened me up, I enjoy trying new things from changing my hair, fashion etc. It has made me a more confident individual.

CF: What piece will you have at the silent auction?

EC: The piece I have in the silent auction is called ‘Inner Weave.’ It is a contemporary piece of glass and woven copper wire which symbolizes the individuality that we all possess.

For more on Elisabeth Cartwright please visit : http://www.elisabethcartwright.com/

As a of Jewellery + Metal student in her third year Kendra Buchanan has an intense love for romance novels. Escaping into a fantasy world where scenes are predictable and dare I say ‘cheesy’. It’s a place that is dramatic and theatrical. Exactly what her performance will be rightly named “Forbidden Passion”. Having already seen some of her designs at 1604 Wear Your Art on Your Sleeve back in November I was lucky enough to see the amazing ball gown and other garments made out of harlequin novels earlier on. She was also able to have those dresses stored in the window at the House of Brides window displace to keep them safe. As one can imagine the delicate nature of using paper it would be hard to store. What people will have to look forward to when they attending ArtaWEARness will be an escape into those novels, Kendra has cleverly decided to make her models walk down the runway as couples and they will play out their romantic drama for the audiences pleasure.

CF: What has influenced the concept of your designs?

KB: Romance novels, I’ve been reading them since I was 12 and they are just fun to read and I love being able to escape into such a fantasy world when you know that it just couldn’t happen in real life.

CF: In a fantasy world what would be 3 fashion items you would want the most?

KB: To have a giant princess dress in hot pink, that’s my favorite color. Also, a Pnina Tornai dress and a Coach or Louis Vuitton purse.

CF: How has working with paper and creating these outfits made your more aware of fashion?

KB: Well until ACAD I was fashion illiterate. The first experience was with my Wearable Art class, which has inspired my creating.

CF: What fashion faux-pas do you secretly love?

KB: I secretly love wearing men’s sweat pants that are at least 4 sizes to big. They are comfy which is my favorite way to dress… I guess that would be considered a faux-pas.

CF: Where is your favorite place to shop?

KB: my favorite place to shop, Lululemon. It’s the comfort thing I think, but if I were planning to get some nice looking things not for working out I would head to Guess or Aritzia.

CF: Do you have a personal trend that you would love to ‘set’?

KB: I think my style is fairly laid back I’m a jeans and a t-shirt kind of girl, or over sized sweats with a more fitted top, I think I secretly wanna bring back the leg warmers though, especially in the winter, they keep your ankles warmer!

Words by: Linda Sui Lem