Wearable wow-able garments

The creative process at play in the artist-in-residence project Binarri.awarra Jurali nhingi appeared to start with a humble piece of paper being folded, yet there is so much more embedded in it. The elements of critical thinking and problem solving are not immediately obvious in the finished extravagances of costumes produced, nonetheless those components are glued and stapled, pleated and gathered into place, as solutions were tried out and elements were made and remade. 

The challenges of trying something new came with the freedom to experiment with unfamiliar materials and to see where it took us. Some people were inspired to play with colour and form, while others were swept away with the grand scale, adding height and whimsy to their piece. Some people worked methodically with a plan already in mind returning each session, and others snatched the momentum of inspiration working collaboratively and taking chances. Everyone benefited from the enthusiasm and guidance that our artists-in-residence lavished on us, elevating those humble elements and finessing them into wearable wow-able garments.

Mary Zbierski-West, teacher