Details...

Details

Number 19 in this series is coming along quite nicely and though I am only 4 paintings from the finish line I'm still uncertain about the title 'Fashion Plates' for this body of work.  I do love the idea that this is a vintage label which much of the fashions in the series relates to, but typically my work delves deeper than just a physical image for me.  It means a lot, something that I have addressed briefly in the Artist's Statement which I have currently written for it:

After studying Art & Design in Alberta many years ago, I was on my way to Toronto to study Fashion Design but met my husband in the prairies and didn't continue.  Over the past two years my daughter has been designing and creating beautiful clothing from a variety of eras which I have been photographing and now have been drawn to utilizing those photographs in this body of work.  I believe fashion is about pursuing a life that is not about appearance but rather self-empowerment.  It is a form of self-expression, a way to share who you are without words.  It also documents the history of the women in this region. On its own the clothing we choose to adorn ourselves with and the way it moves can convey a feeling. This is a way to remember my personal history and to collaborate with a new generation of woman.  To view my daughter's work please visit her website here.

But it feels like it still means so much more than I have captured in words.  I think this is the most I have struggled with a statement about the work and I'm not sure why.  I keep thinking of the psychological connection that the clothes we wear has on the wearer.  I also think about history and it's influence, socially and culturally, and how our clothing influences others' opinions of us. I would really love to hear some feedback if you'd like to share.