FLATTERNATOR®️ Grandio: “THE NEXT TRAIN ON PLATFORM 8 IS THE....”

Abiose M O Haara

Sweden

• HATalk Issue 177: Melbourne Cup Carnival 2020

December 2020 HATalk Issue 177 called out most to me. It gave me the inspiration to craft what makes the Flatternator®️ a great addition to and expression of the hat world. I executed this Flatternator®️ by taking off with the issue's hat, and outfit colour; adapting lines, and angulation from the scenery; utilising the presence of full human body anatomy; and playing with the yellow of HATalk signature through the sunlight, lights from the shops and reflection of lights on the train's surface and windows. “HATalk” conveys communication interpreted as the hustle-bustle of a train station. The broad-brush details highlight the moving into manifestation of the Flatternator®️.

In 2018 while on pregnancy leave, I started painting on small canvases, not really knowing what I would do with them. For several weeks I pondered over what to do with them. One fateful day, I happen to place one on my head... experiencing a certain silence I could only describe as the genius of discovery. I ran to a mirror and I saw "it." I saw beauty, evolution, journeys, exploration, possibilities – I saw art. I saw a great addition to the art and hat world. I then spent time perfecting its design and packaging. I found that my creation draws from my background – the Nigerian affinity for colour exploration; British love of fascinators and hatinators; and simplicity and minimalism in Scandinavian design. Already with a love of fascinators, and knowing that canvases are flat, with a Eureka moment the word "Flatter" joyfully bubbled into my consciousness, giving name to my creation, and completing the formation of my invention– the Flatternator®️.

I am carving out a new corner of the art and hat industry, and thus creating objects of special interest for collectors – Flatternator®️.

• Timber
• Steel
• Canvas
• Elastic silicone grip hairband
• Adhesive
• Waterproof acrylic gesso
• Waterproof water miscible oil paint
• Waterproof artisan varnish

• Cut the timber and put together to form frame.
• Apply acrylic gesso to canvas.
• Stretch canvas across the anterior, external lateral, and posterior aspect of the frame, holding it in place with steel staples.
• Adhere another canvas piece posteriorly.
• Secure the hairband between the second canvas and a third canvas piece.
• Mount onto a mannequin head.
• Paint desired pattern with water miscible oil paint. Allow for oxidation
• Apply artisan varnish.