HATalk Competition Entry 2024

Sandy Aslett

Maker
Sandy Aslett

Country
Australia

Name of Hat
Desert Oasis

Description

This striking hat is an abstract interpretation of water as a life-giving force, juxtaposed against the arid beauty of the Australian outback. The burnt orange and golden hues of the hat’s base evoke the shifting sands, spinifex grass, and sunlit tones of the vast desert dunes. These earthen colors reflect the resilience and stark beauty of the Nullarbor Plains, where the land is shaped by both relentless heat and the rare, transformative touch of water.

Blue accents, flowing organically across the design, represent the vital streams and ephemeral rivers that course southward during the wet season, bringing renewal to regions like Lake Eyre. The dynamic placement of shimmering blue ribbons suggests the fluid, unpredictable nature of water as it carves through the dry earth, revitalizing the arid landscape and nurturing bursts of life.

The intricate textures and layers of the hat further symbolize the interplay between drought and abundance. The fringe edging mirrors the delicate spinifex grasses swaying in desert winds, while the hat’s sweeping curves and sculptural elements reflect the flow of water and its unifying energy.

This piece captures the delicate balance of Australia’s ecosystems, highlighting the cyclical dance of scarcity and prosperity. It is not merely a representation of water, but a tribute to its profound power to transform and sustain even the harshest of environments. “Desert Oasis” bridges art and nature, offering a wearable celebration of Australia’s dramatic landscapes and the element that breathes life into its rugged terrain.

Techniques:

  • Free-formed the buntal straws to craft the abstract, sculptural shape and flowing design.
  • Overlaid burnt orange buntal straw over golden straw buntal for depth, contrast, and a layered look.
  • Frayed the edges of the buntal straw for a natural, textured effect reminiscent of desert grasses.
  • Painted with Lumiere paints to add vibrant blue tones symbolizing water.
  • Hand-beaded the trim for intricate detailing with a touch of shimmer.
  • Hand-dyed the straw in variegated tones to feature on the brim’s edge.
  • Hand-curled bias sinamay ribbons in blue and earthy tones to add wave-like movement.
  • Hand-stitched millinery wire to reinforce the shape.
  • Wired and shaped the edge for structure and polish.
  • Stiffened the buntal straws for durability and stability.
  • Blocked the inside crown for precise head fit.
  • Added elastic and a comb for secure wear.

Materials:

Buntal Straw Mat -golden hues
Buntal Straw Mat- burnt orange
Hand Beaded trim
LuMiere Pearlescent Artist Acrylic
Paint brush
Bias sinamay edging- strips/ribbons
Variegated dyed straw braid tones
Sinamay
Sinamay binding
Millinery Wire
Hat Elastic
Comb
Thread

Materials:

Buntal Straw Mat -golden hues
Buntal Straw Mat- burnt orange
Hand Beaded trim
LuMiere Pearlescent Artist Acrylic
Paint brush
Bias sinamay edging- strips/ribbons
Variegated dyed straw braid tones
Sinamay
Sinamay binding
Millinery Wire
Hat Elastic
Comb
Thread

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning. 

HATalk Competition Entry 2024

Sandy Aslett

Maker
Sandy Aslett

Country
Australia

Name of Hat
Desert Oasis

Description

This striking hat is an abstract interpretation of water as a life-giving force, juxtaposed against the arid beauty of the Australian outback. The burnt orange and golden hues of the hat’s base evoke the shifting sands, spinifex grass, and sunlit tones of the vast desert dunes. These earthen colors reflect the resilience and stark beauty of the Nullarbor Plains, where the land is shaped by both relentless heat and the rare, transformative touch of water.

Blue accents, flowing organically across the design, represent the vital streams and ephemeral rivers that course southward during the wet season, bringing renewal to regions like Lake Eyre. The dynamic placement of shimmering blue ribbons suggests the fluid, unpredictable nature of water as it carves through the dry earth, revitalizing the arid landscape and nurturing bursts of life.

The intricate textures and layers of the hat further symbolize the interplay between drought and abundance. The fringe edging mirrors the delicate spinifex grasses swaying in desert winds, while the hat’s sweeping curves and sculptural elements reflect the flow of water and its unifying energy.

This piece captures the delicate balance of Australia’s ecosystems, highlighting the cyclical dance of scarcity and prosperity. It is not merely a representation of water, but a tribute to its profound power to transform and sustain even the harshest of environments. “Desert Oasis” bridges art and nature, offering a wearable celebration of Australia’s dramatic landscapes and the element that breathes life into its rugged terrain.

Techniques:

  • Free-formed the buntal straws to craft the abstract, sculptural shape and flowing design.
  • Overlaid burnt orange buntal straw over golden straw buntal for depth, contrast, and a layered look.
  • Frayed the edges of the buntal straw for a natural, textured effect reminiscent of desert grasses.
  • Painted with Lumiere paints to add vibrant blue tones symbolizing water.
  • Hand-beaded the trim for intricate detailing with a touch of shimmer.
  • Hand-dyed the straw in variegated tones to feature on the brim’s edge.
  • Hand-curled bias sinamay ribbons in blue and earthy tones to add wave-like movement.
  • Hand-stitched millinery wire to reinforce the shape.
  • Wired and shaped the edge for structure and polish.
  • Stiffened the buntal straws for durability and stability.
  • Blocked the inside crown for precise head fit.
  • Added elastic and a comb for secure wear.

Materials:

Buntal Straw Mat -golden hues
Buntal Straw Mat- burnt orange
Hand Beaded trim
LuMiere Pearlescent Artist Acrylic
Paint brush
Bias sinamay edging- strips/ribbons
Variegated dyed straw braid tones
Sinamay
Sinamay binding
Millinery Wire
Hat Elastic
Comb
Thread

Materials:

Buntal Straw Mat -golden hues
Buntal Straw Mat- burnt orange
Hand Beaded trim
LuMiere Pearlescent Artist Acrylic
Paint brush
Bias sinamay edging- strips/ribbons
Variegated dyed straw braid tones
Sinamay
Sinamay binding
Millinery Wire
Hat Elastic
Comb
Thread

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning. 

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