TARTAN MIND MEND
November 2021
Golden Goddess Gown 2021. Mind Mend is an art therapy project with a sustainable focus. Its aim is to raise money for people suffering with mental health issues associated with lockdowns and Covid 19. Mind Mend is Tartan’s attempt to address two issues simultaneously: mental health and waste created by the fashion industry.
Tartan asked members of its extended creative community to re-purpose their excess samples, stock and seconds, with the hope of raising awareness of sustainable practices in the fashion industry and suggesting creative ways to tackle excess production, soothing frazzled nervous systems with creative therapy and community connection, supporting and promoting creative individuals and small businesses during lockdown, and raising money for mental health focussed charities.
Each collaborator was given a Tartan sample which they were invited to mend, patch, dye, re-construct, de-construct, shred, weave, knit, paint, draw, embroider, embellish, film, photograph or alter in any way that moved them. The re-imagined pieces will be showcased in store and online at Poepke. 100% of the proceeds from the items sold were donated to the following charities:
https://kidshelpline.com.au https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au https://headspace.org.au
Participants include: Bess Paddington, Antonia Pesenti, Adriana Giuffrida, Nicola Lie, Paul McNeil, Gemma Smith, Lana Marshall, Spencer Thorne, Maggie Shepherd, Jedda Diasy Culley, Olivia Mai, Heleena Trehanas, Eva Coulson, Joanna Fowles, Vita Cochran, Rachel Power, Sophie Tatlow/Utopia Goods, Lauren Brincat, Mary Libro, Elska von Hatzfeldt, Troy Brennan, Liane Rossler, Lorraine Gomez, Lesley Crawford, Sally McDonald, Tory Bauer, Shauna Toohey, Kasia werstak, Beci Orpin, Anne McDonald, Madeleine Hinchy, Poppy Kural. Natalie Wood, Holly Leonardson, Annie Zwada, Kevina Jo Smith, Leah Gizlin, Sunday Jones Evans.
Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us your about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.
LR: I feel like we are living in a time of transformation and recalibration and it is time for us to create a golden future. My inspiration came from Goddesses which have been a strong and ongoing theme in cultures throughout history to empower us to move forward. I’m hoping that the 1,000 golden discs I embellished onto the pure white silk Tartan piece will make the wearer and the viewer feel strong and inspired.
TMM: Tell us about what you do that defines being a creative to you.
LR: I like to approach everything in a creative way. To me that means looking at everything with a fresh eye and a sense of possibility and inventiveness.
TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
LR: The garden was a constant source of joy, from the small to the large. Watching the seasons change, seeds grow, trees change, blossoms bloom and buds sprout. In the kitchen, growing produce from legumes and vegetable roots was rewarding. As a family we are keen cooks, so coming up with imaginative and pleasurable ways to dine together was an enjoyable ritual. Exploring lots of new options. And I’m very grateful that we live near a park, so lots of walking and bike riding was a saviour and a great pleasure.
TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
LR: Enjoying every process. Having more time to consider and enjoy everyday beauty and all the delight we are surrounded by.
TMM: You are a mentor to many creative people, tell us one piece of advice you give to them all.
LR: To consider that all their work and choices in life are part of a long continuation, and to consider every action as a part of their long term career.
TMM: How did you come to ceramics as your chosen medium?
LR: I love the whole circular process of ceramics. It comes from the earth and has endless possibility. In my practice my focus is on creating useful and beneficial beauty with a positive environmental impact on the planet. I enjoy the whole process of using the tactile medium of clay, and the way that any waste can go back to water and become reformed into something new. When fired, ceramic is strong and has great longevity. It’s been used by cultures worldwide over thousands of years and there is still limitless potential with the material.
TMM: When the world opens back up, what is the first thing you would love to do?
LR: I have loved seeing people enjoy the beautiful country we are fortunate to live in. Admiring all the sunrises and sunsets and simple pleasures like picnics that people have been appreciating. I’m mindful to continue enjoying all these delights we are surrounded by. At some point, yum cha and a massage will be good. And then in the future, exploring some places I’ve had on my wish list.