Throughout my life, I've faced the challenges of mental health, with stress and anxiety as constant companions. Amid this turbulence, the sea has always been my sanctuary. The gentle rhythm of the waves brings profound peace, soothing my mind and body. This connection to the ocean deepens my concern for climate change. The health of the sea is vital not only for the planet but also for our mental well-being. My art explores this relationship, capturing the ocean's tranquillity and the anxiety it alleviates. My creative journey focuses on body-centric art and wearable sculptures, pushing beyond conventional fashion into experimental designs with bold silhouettes and rich textures. I start with detailed drawings and engage in extensive material exploration, refining my skills and scaling up my creations using sustainable, repurposed materials to minimise waste. I have also resorted to reusing offcuts and threads as added filler for my puff sleeves making it an almost zero-waste project. ‘The Deep’ eloquently explores the symbolic relationship between mental well-being and the sea. It vividly portrays the sense of confinement brought about by mental health struggles and contrasts it with the liberating relief found in the embrace of the Ocean. Emotions are deftly woven into a narrative, illustrating the physical toll of mental health challenges. Seamlessly engaging with the urgency of climate change, ‘The Deep’ reveals the profound influence of the sea on our mental well-being. Amidst the backdrop of a planet grappling with environmental distress, this body of work underscores the pivotal significance of the sea in the human experience - not only as a catalyst for transformation but also as a vital pillar supporting our overall health and well-being. Embroidery and hand painting on fabrics using heat-activated inks were two major techniques used across this project not only for their visual appeal but because they provide a therapeutic and calming atmosphere for me, especially when trying to work through the more technical aspects of the project such as reports and compiling notebooks. The urge to explore new techniques, textures, and expressions pushes the boundaries of my creativity and practice. With a profound love for fashion and design, emotional expression forms the source of my creations. I delight in surrendering to the flow, allowing the currents of creativity to chart my course while upholding structure and remaining steadfast to the plan.
