Fully Clothed

Fully Clothed

Well, I had every intention of blogging every day during my residency in Portland, but obviously that didn't happen. 7 hours in a museum, every day, for 2 weeks, seems like a lot of time. But when you're also making an entire outfit (that you have to wear the next day), and talking to museum guests, the day can really fly by. Hence this being the only blog post, a whole week after returning home.

Over the course of my 2 weeks in the Museum of Contemporary Craft, I made 10 full outfits, including 2 pairs of shoes. I used only materials I brought with me -- mostly deconstructed clothing, scraps from our STATE factory, and other odds and ends.  My studio was a 12x8 foot space within the museum and visitors could watch or come in to chat. This was an element I was expecting, but didn't fully account for. I learned many things about myself during this project, one major thing being that I'm quite a chatter! Large chunks of my day would slip by, talking to lovely folks, and I'd be behind making the next day's outfit. One day I socialized so much I only had 1.5 hours to make an entire outfit.  I did it, but it was my least favorite of the project. 

 

After the first few days I felt like I got into a groove and started making things that I really loved.  It was liberating to work without a plan or preconceived ideas. Most days I'd come in the morning not knowing what I'd make that day.  There's an excitement to making on the fly and some of my favorite ideas evolve from working this way.  

The two weeks flew by and I left with many pieces that I think will inspire some upcoming STATE collections. I'm also hoping to add the leather slippers to the online store soon...  I met so many incredible people in Portland, and we truly enjoyed our time there.  I'm so grateful to MoCC for inviting me out for this amazing opportunity.  

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