No.01 - Anthropocalypse

The very first Bespoke Poetic Vesture was made for my dear friend Stef. She is an incredible artist who is deeply passionate about climate change. We have known each other since high school and not only do I love her dearly but I am also super inspired by her creativity and expression. Her artwork, the coal babyface, and a term she resonates strongly with, virtual biosphere, adorn the back of the vest. The foundation of the piece is a workwear coverall which has been converted into a vest. It has adjustable sides, press stud front and shoulder pads for that extra lift! The piece has been hand adorned with embroidered applique lettering, paint, beadwork, talismans, handmade glass beads and patches from Stefs personal collection. Stef had an old Spell dress that I converted into button in sleeves or a cape to add more flow when she walks. It was the perfect place to begin this adventure into the poetic vesture, and nothing gave me more joy than her face when she first saw and put it on.

Stef and I sat down in the kitchen of her little shack to have a chat about the first poetic vesture, her creative practise and what is important to her at the moment. As you will hear I’m a bit excited about it :-D I wanted to share it here with you all so you can get to know Stef and little better and what the poetic vesture represents to her. I think its more intimate with just the sound, it creates space to sink into the words and the energy. Stef is such an incredible artist, you will love hearing all about her world.

A word of caution there is some passionate swearing throughout this conversation. 

You can view Stefs work here. follow her on instagram here.


Explorers Coat transforms

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She is ready for travel! I've spent the last few days adorning the explorers coat with talismans, bells and beading. Rebecca Purcell sent the most magical package of talismans she collected for me so long ago. It feels so exciting to finally have some of them with me for my upcoming adventure. Five days until lift-off! 

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Explorers Coat

adding new elements at Kings Canyon

adding new elements at Kings Canyon

I began making this coat in 2016 to wear on my pilgrimage to Uluru. I wanted something to hold me and remind me of my power, courage, and all the elements that were supporting my journey. When I left the coat wasn't finished, so as I travelled I added the finishing touches. We were both a work in progress, weaving new layers into ourselves as we moved.

arriving at Uluru

arriving at Uluru

beginnings

beginnings

adorned with talismans for ceremony

adorned with talismans for ceremony

adding new elements at Kings Canyon

adding new elements at Kings Canyon

FRONT - the coat now, awaiting new talismans

FRONT - the coat now, awaiting new talismans

BACK - the coat now, awaiting new talismans

BACK - the coat now, awaiting new talismans

adorned with talismans for ceremony

adorned with talismans for ceremony

In the back of Mulligan on her way to Uluru

In the back of Mulligan on her way to Uluru

As I prepare to head out on this next adventure I'm beginning to assemble the garments and objects that will travel with me, making new marks into their folds. My power objects to carry me into deeper expereinces. As I transform so too do the garments I adorn myself with. There are many new talismans waiting to become part of the coat and the adventures. I cant wait to show you how she transforms over the next few days.

Elemental Wares - the pantaloons

The pantaloons are done! I have to say these were a real labour of love. There's a lot of hand stitching hidden amongst these stripes. I'm pretty sure they were pulled apart and remade at least three times, and did I mention all the buttons! Anyway its all over now and I love them so much, its so fun to start to play around with combinations of the elemental wares.

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Can you tell I'm a bit excited about it. 

Elemental Wares - the vest

The last months I have been feeling so inspired to create the garments for this next adventure. The elemental wares are part of my investigation into movement and have been constantly evolving over the years. This vest is my everyday piece, I need pockets for my cameras and something that allows for a lot of free movement. I still have a few revisions for the next version but it is so exciting to have the first iteration to play with. 

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