“Home”( Integrative Studio)

Artist Statement:

For this second project, we had to do something with home. When people think of home, they think of comfort, people, furniture, smells, the surrounding area, and etc. We were given a partner from our integrative studio class and from there we had to discuss what was similar things or actions that we enjoyed doing at home. Then from there we were tasked to create a wearable garment that represent the same qualities we called home. As we talked, my partner and I found that a common thing we share was hanging out in our bathroom for hours on end doing anything we wanted. We had a lot of things in common such as coming home always smelling like food, similar wall colors, we were both Chinese, lived with our immediate family, never had family dinner, and traditional chinese furniture. But we decided keep the bathroom, because with that idea we thought it was funny and we could have fun creating anything. We decided to make a robe with many pockets, excessive long sleeves, and a hoodie with mesh on top. Initially with the robe, we wanted it to be comfort of our bathroom especially since we both found comfort in our bathrooms just to chill and not be bothered by our family. Then we decided to create pockets so that it could hold all the things we liked to do in a bathroom like smoking, eating, listening to music etc. Then, with the excessive sleeves and hoodie, it was to represent closure and separation from others. After we decided what we wanted to create, we split the amount materials to buy and evenly split the work. She sewed the sleeves and hoodie on and I sewed the pockets and the mesh around the robe. We both made the same amount of effort and worked really well together. I was pretty satisfied how well we ended up doing. Overall, this project was pretty fun to create, especially with the idea we created. I was also shocked of myself that I was able to create a garment with my partner because one I’m not a fashion major, but partner is. We’re both satisfied how it came out and I’m excited for any future partner works.

Close Ups:

A quick explanation why we found comfort of the bathroom:

The similar experience with home that we share is that we both enjoy spending time in the bathroom. We both believe that in the bathroom is where we can have a private space to do as we please. Whether it is blasting music or having fun on the phone, the bathroom is where we can hangout in for long periods of time, and it is the most suitable place at home to entertain ourselves. In this home project, we would like to feature elements of bathroom on the garment we make to express our love for the bathroom, while incorporating other similarities of our shift experiences with home into the design of the garment.

Bixuan ( what she got for the project)

Pastel fabrics

Buttons and elastic

Needle and thread

Lilian (what I got for the project)

Traditional Chinese fabric

White robe

Plastic/ shower curtain material

Links for inspiration:

http://weburbanist.com/2012/05/30/no-mere-puff-pieces-30-clever-cushions-crafty-pillows/

https://news.artnet.com/art-world/duchamp-slideshow-922667

http://www.trover.com/d/HPeQ-seattle-art-museum-seattle-washington