Subtle bodies (series for the body) 2018

Copper electroformed organza.

This series arose from the desire to see how the mercurial sensations experienced in the half-light of dusk might be explored through tangible substances. The sensations that resonated strongly for me were ones of delicacy, fragility and complexity. The material development for this series was grounded in these qualities and in the sensory experience of feeling something dissolve and build simultaneously – as the night builds into the fraying light of the day.

The pieces were made by deconstructing silk organza and stitching back into it with thread. This new textile was then copper electroformed, undergoing a period of growth as copper accreted into the fabric, allowing it to take form and structure and embody the threshold of its counterparts - soft silk and firm metal.

As wearable works they sit lightly on the body, almost hovering, with their interior and exterior simultaneously visible.

Clockwise from top right:

Subtle body V 2018 (brooch), silk organza, copper, bamboo, silver, 120 x 100 x 55 mm, photo Matthew Stanton

Subtle body I 2018 (neckpiece as sculpture), silk organza, copper, bamboo, 480 x 420 x 35 mm, photo Matthew Stanton

Subtle body I 2018 (neckpiece), silk organza, copper, bamboo, 480 x 420 x 35 mm, photo Pia Johnson

Subtle Body VI 2018 (brooch), silk, copper, silver, shibuichi, 110 x 100 x 55 mm, photo Matthew Stanton

Subtle Body VII 2018 (brooch), silk, copper, silver, shibuichi,  105 x 100 x 55 mm, photo Matthew Stanton

Subtle body I 2018 (neckpiece), silk organza, copper, bamboo, 480 x 420 x 35 mm, photo Pia Johnson