Art From Trash Tasmania

I have just returned from a very cold Tasmania. When I found Art from Trash on the internet I knew it was right up my alley. I had just finished my dress made out of ring pulls and I always think it is better to have them on display so that they can inspire others rather than have my pieces sit at home.
When I arrived to drop of my dress I was impressed by the size of the gallery and the standard of work. I also love that children are able to participate and exhibit. Children are so much freer in their expression. I can see the passion of the organisers in how it all turned out.

Opening night was jam packed and drink and food all seems to run out which is always a good sign of a well attended event. On the night they had a contest for the best 'trashy dresser'. In this case it was for an outfit made from recycled items and I won with my dress made from spoons, shade cloth, newspaper and mosquito net. My son also walked away with a prize for his crocodile artwork. 

Our prizes were vouchers for the local Tip Shop. The kids and I loved shopping from there. I couldnt believe how much we got for such a small amount of money. I chose many things that will contribute to making my next artwork.

Of course no trip to Tasmania is complete without a visit to Mona which we all thoroughly enjoyed. I had to laugh when I found accessories made from ring pulls for sale in the shop. They would have gone well with my dress. I hope to return to Tasmania next year with some of my sculptures.

Warringah Council Dee Why Art Bombing

Some time ago Warringah council asked people to submit ideas to 'art bomb' the Dee Why area. It had to be something relevant to the local area but it could be anything from a guerilla garden to a light display to public artworks of any kind. The council was offering 5 artists $1000 each to create such a piece.

I was lucky enough to be one of the 5 selected. My piece aims to connect the local environment and metropolitan and relaxed culture of our suburb. The 4 other artworks are being installed this week. You can see mine light up at night also. For more information on locations and other details visit  http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/your-council/plans-publications-and-policies/publications/council-news/art-bomb

Sculptures in the Bush and La Lune

Its great when the local council encourages art in the local community. I heard one Councillor say that Warringah Council recognises that there is more than just sport to support in the local area. As important as sport is in people lives art is important too. The council wanted to do a Sculpture by the Sea type of exhibition but never had the budget for it then La Lune was born. It is a night exhibition of energy producing art. What a great idea! This exhibition really brought the crowds and I felt very encouraged by that. I spoke to curator Alan Giddy about having more local artists in the exhibition if they do it again and was encouraged by his positive response. Im sure they have learnt a lot from running it this year.

On the same day I was lucky enough to participate in Bush Sculptures at Stony Range. The beautiful surrounds and excellent art made for a wonderful art exhibition. Bush Sculptures was curated by artist Maria Romeo and I think she did an amazing job with a total of a whopping 32 artworks involved. It is amazing that so many locals have never walked through Stony Range before. It is quite hidden and and a surprise that this beautiful oasis is right next to a main road. It is still on today so go and pay it a visit. They also have craft activities for kids and a bush tucker talk all for free.

Death of the Australian Fashion Industry

"Under pressure from international competition, unaffordable real estate and manufacturing woes, Australia’s fashion industry is facing a crisis." says businessoffashion.com
In he years since I started training to be a designer I have seen many things decline. I have competed in many fashion competition including the Golden Gown Awards, The Hair and Fashion Competition, Fashion Less Waste, The Fashion Industry Awards and the Flair Awards. Not one of these competitions is still run. 
I spent many years making it to the finals but with no wins until in 2011 I was lucky enough to be named Winner of Fashion Less Waste run by the Australian Museum. The following year I was Runner-Up at Fashion Less Waste and the year after I was given a Highly Commended Award at the Flair Awards. I mention this because it is like a stamp of approval for my business. I have seen a change in my customers attitudes toward me. They don't question me as much. They trust me because I have these certificates that prove I have some talent that has been recognised. 
Sadly these competitions which mean so much to emerging designers are in decline. There are none that I am aware of in NSW. Is this a reflection of the Australian fashion industry which is buckling under the pressure of overseas imports? I think so. With the influx of imports brings a decline in quality. I cant tell you how many dresses my customers have ordered online that I have had to fix.
In the last few years some greats of the Australian fashion industry have had to close their doors. When the likes of Lisa Ho have to close their doors I fear for the future of our home grown talent. 

Wedding Dresses

Over the years I have had the privilege of making many bridesmaid and wedding dresses. Yes I made my own wedding dress. Of all the dresses I have made my favourite jobs have been remaking the brides mums wedding dress. I love totally transforming something old and making it new.
Its funny that the trend is to buck the trend. Every customer of mine says, "I dont want anything traditional." Currently they mostly seem to prefer to wear ivory, however I have done many different colours including a request for a green wedding dress. Sadly I dont have as many photos as I would like.

Introduction

Hello. I would like to introduce myself in my first blog. I am Stephanie Powell. I have an Associate Diploma in fashion Design. I also have completed various Certificates including Sculpture, Life Drawing, Pottery on the Wheel and Cartooning. I am also a mum of 2 young boys. I run a dressmaking business and am an artist and curator. 

I look forward to sharing my creations with you. From wedding dresses to wearable art to sculpture to painting you will see it all as I find different ways to express my creativity.

Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern.

Alfred North Whitehead (1861 - 1947), Dialogues (1954)