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Crafting Narratives: Mona Strand’s Wearable Art Odyssey
In the vibrant space between a hat shop and an art studio, Mona Strand orchestrates a symphony of materials and techniques, shaping wearable art that dances on the precipice of tradition and innovation.
Crafting Narratives: The Studio Saga
Mona’s workspace, a whimsical blend of hat blocks, fabrics, beads, and organic elements, becomes the stage for her artistic narratives. Her journey began with studies in clothing and costume design, evolving into a mastery of sculptural hats. Yet, her creative odyssey is not confined to headpieces; it extends to the expressive realm of collars.
Material Alchemy: Nature’s Influence
Nature, with its chaotic beauty and ordered intricacies, serves as Mona’s muse. Inspired by the language of forms found in roots, threads, and transitions, she manipulates materials like felt, straw, velvet, and silk. Her artistic process involves bending the flat and soft into structured elegance, drawing inspiration from the ever-shifting dance between chaos and order.
Old Techniques, New Expressions
Mona’s reverence for old craft techniques is palpable in her workspace. Inherited flower-making equipment and a commitment to hand sewing, tearing, and modeling infuse her creations with a timeless quality. Her sculptural objects blur the lines between body and space, coming alive when worn, adding a dynamic dimension to the art.
Wearable Art: A Dialogue with the Physical World
For Mona, wearable art is not just an adornment; it’s a dialogue between materiality and the human experience. Her creations, whether directly on the body or as sculptural objects, serve as conduits for connecting with the physical world. They embody the transience of life and the beauty found in shape, color, and dissolution.
Future Tapestry: Herbaratorium and Beyond
Mona’s artistic trajectory envisions a future woven with exhibitions, an artist book, and diverse presentations. Her ongoing project, ‘Herbaratorium,’ a progression from ‘Greenhouse,’ explores the intersection of art and Slow Fashion. The concept embraces the slow growth of rare species and objects, akin to a gardener’s meticulous cultivation.
Collars: A Historical Resonance
Delving into the historical resonance of collars, Mona finds inspiration in their multifaceted symbolism. From Ruth Ginsburg’s impactful collection to the broader implications of being silenced or standing out, collars embody a powerful narrative. Mona intends to delve deeper into the exploration of sculptural hats and collars, weaving a rich tapestry of exhibitions and presentations.
Mona Strand’s artistic voyage continues, with each creation adding a stroke to the canvas of wearable art. Her studio, a haven of inspiration and craftsmanship, echoes with the stories of materials, nature, and the evolving dialogue between art and the human form. As Mona envisions future exhibitions and projects, her work remains a testament to the enduring allure of slow, intentional creation in a fast-paced world.