2007
Laser cut acrylic
“1000 Bombers” was inspired by the men of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two. The sheer number of men who died or were permanently altered by their contribution moved me, and I wanted to create a garment, which would act as a physical testimony of their sacrifice. I took a cross-section of 1000 aviators (Nanton Lancaster Society 2008) and through statistical analysis worked out those who died, were wounded or imprisoned and those who survived, and represented them with 1000 disks in Red, Blue and White. It was important that the disks, each emblazoned with a Lancaster bomber were identical so the men were each represented equally. I used the laser cutter to cut each of the disks from acrylic plastic and stencil sprayed the Lancaster motif also using a laser cut template. Each of the disks was then sewn into a floor length garment. The garment weighed 12 kilograms and when worn had a majestic air similar to that of a stone memorial, and the visual punch of an info-graphical design.
The choice of materials and colours were calculated. I wanted to engage the audience with the sheer scale of the design through the bold colour-work, before drawing them into the details and invoking a deeper understanding. The weight of the garment on the model onstage meant her steps had to be small and determined- reminiscent of a memorial procession.
Exhibited at
2007
World of Wearable Art show
Wellington, NZ
2007 – 2008
World of Wearable Arts museum,
Nelson, NZ
Awards
Finalist – Open Section
World of Wearable Art show 2007
