Brenda Wilson – Australia

Description

The rose is conceived as a symbol of balance and equilibrium. The fragile beauty of its’ petals express promise, new beginnings and hope. In contrast the thorns and strong stems represent defense, physicality, loss and thoughtfulness.

Beauty is not always packaged in soft petals and yielding curves. Sometimes it is reflected in long lines of character and determination.

In an age where fast fashion is causing an environmental crisis and disruption of the delicate equilibrium needed for humans and nature to co-exist, I believe artists need to utilize their special skills to help envision and create a sustainable future. Art and garbage are polar opposites, yet they are both left behind us on the earth. This piece has been designed to show the effects of a successful marriage between these two polar opposites. The use of recycled aluminium, manipulated and coaxed to form the delicate petals and leaves is a small contribution to the removal of environmental waste choking our planet.The irony of teaming a man-made plastic with recycled cans is not lost in the development of this headpiece, and my intention is to encourage others to be visionary thinkers in the time honoured craft of Millinery.

Each of us has the power to contribute and even the balance, making our planet a better place for future artisans and our children following behind us.

Materials

• Recycled aluminium can
• Aluminium sheet
• Variegated copper leaf
• Fine metallic mesh
• Paint
• Glue
• Foundation fabric
• Headband
• Comb
• braid

Techniques

• Blocking thermoplastic
• Blocking fine wire mesh
• Making metal flowers, leaves and stem
• Gilding
• Painting