my nature

I found this mannequin bust in a haberdashery shop. She was worn, damaged and no longer considered useful, with a handwritten “for sale” sign attached to her.

But when I looked at her, I didn't see something that needed to be thrown away.

I saw potential.

I took her home and she sat in my studio for about six months. Every time I looked at her, I would think, I'm going to bring you back to life.

Eventually, the time felt right.

I began stitching, layering, fusing and embellishing her, allowing the transformation to happen slowly. Hours became days and days became weeks. I wasn't trying to hide every mark or return her to what she had once been. I wanted to take what was already there and create something new from it.

And My Nature was born.

At the time, I thought I was simply seeing beyond the damage of a discarded mannequin and recognising the beauty and potential that was still there.

Looking back, I realise I was doing the same thing with myself.

I was rebuilding too. Learning that the things we go through don't take away our value or our potential. They become part of our story.

That's why nature became such an important part of this piece. Nature is constantly changing, growing, shedding and beginning again. Nothing stays untouched, and yet there is beauty throughout every stage.

My Nature reminds me to look beyond what something or someone, has been through and see what is still possible.

I thought I was bringing her back to life. In many ways, I was bringing myself back to life too.

Year: 2017

Size: 98 x 49cm

Medium: Thread, beading, 24 carat gold leaf synthetic fibres on fibre glass

Technique: Thread Suturing and Thread Blending

Price: £7,000