A trio of coastal artists has their work on display at the 2006 Wearable Art Awards Exhibit.
Ursula Bentz of Gibsons contributed three pieces, along with singles from Jessica Gabriel and Tam Harrington of Sechelt. Their artwork is now featured in a free exhibit at Port Moody City Hall until Oct. 22.
Bentz said the ocean was the inspiration for her piece entitled Waternymph. It's comprised of silk vat dyes, natural dyes, paint, seashells, kelp and beads.
"Born a Cancer, living near the ocean is my greatest joy, where I can explore the seashore, finding treasures and immersing myself into the refreshing water," Bentz wrote in an artist's statement. "I am inspired by the colours and rhythm of the ocean and receive energy from the sea. I wanted to translate this by making a dress that evokes these moods.
"I have used silk and techniques like resist dying with indigo shibori and immersion dying."
Gabriel used plastic junky bits to createanoutfit she calls Plasticia. Her materials ranged from twist ties and plastic bags to plastic bands and bubble wrap.
"This is an elaborate piece with string bikini top, headdress, matching necklace and puffy skirt," Gabriel wrote in her artist's statement. "It is an ode to all those scrappy things that collect in the bottom of kitchen drawers and cupboards. Through creating and wearing this garment, I feel as though I have somehow channelled the spirit of the landfill."
Harrington's piece, The Wedding Dress, was also crafted from recycled materials including vegetable steamers.
"My ongoing fascination with culture melded with an unnatural obsession with shiny objects has prompted me to redesign the world of the wedding," Harrington wrote in her artist's statement. "I see myself as a visual archaeologist examining the profound expressions of human nature.
"As a gatherer of found objects, it is my duty to showcase their beauty. My work incorporates common domestic and fashion items. I hope the humour would be seen in the uncommon application of a vegetable steamer. I use recycled objects, rescuing them from a life of neglect or least tedious labour."
A total of 77 entries from as far away as Hong Kong were entered in the Wearable Art contest. The awards were handed out in a gala fashion show on Sept. 23 at Port Moody City Hall. All entries are now on display in the Port Moody Civic Centre Galleria until Oct. 22. The 2006 Wearable Art Awards Exhibit is at the Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Dr. in Port Moody. It is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Exhibit visitors will vote to choose the Scotiabank People's Choice Award winner.
More information, including a list of accepted submissions with artist info, is available at www.wearableartawards.ca or from Lynda Baker at 604-931-2008, ext. 105.
