Notions, 2023

Wood, vintage paper sewing patterns, linen thread, paint, lighting, soundscape, found items, 3 × 2 × 3m, Gallery 25, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley, Western Australia

I recently happened across a vintage paper sewing pattern which instantly transported me to one of my childhood homes, specifically my mother’s sewing room. It was a small but magical room where notions entered, followed by beautiful ladies, and exquisite garments emerged. I recall the excitement of occasionally being permitted to handle fabric slivers and beads and searching the carpeted floor under the industrial machines for treasures, often to feel the sting of a pin or needle in the knee. Paper sewing patterns, pearl pins, lace and beading crystals were a staple in the workroom and the scraps we were allowed to rummage around became fashionable clothing for our Barbie Dolls.