Summary

A collection of eco friendly nature inspired clothing made from sustainably sourced silk and Australian merino wool. Each piece is unique and created by hand, a combination of nuno felting and natural dyeing using plants. The works are sensual, sculptural and original. 

Organisation

Gina Mastio Studio

Team

Me, myself and I, plus a few gum leaves here and there.

After completing a BA in Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Curtin University in 1992, followed by a diploma in Permaculture, I then set off to see the world. This eventually led me to marry and live in France for 11 years, where my longing for the Australian bush saw me combine my interests of nature, sustainability and textiles into creating eco clothing. 

I began selling my work in France and online in 2009. My family and I moved to Sydney in 2011 and I now continue my creations from my beloved homeland.

I create both collections and bespoke orders and my work is in private collections in Europe, North America and Australia.

Inspiration/Method

Since childhood I have been enamoured with the Australian landscape and in particular with the 'skin' of the eucalyptus tree. I adore the power of the land and our humbling vulnerability upon it. Growing up in WA, trips to the Pilbara embedded a deep appreciation of this stunning landscape.

I contrast the strong relentless beauty of our landscape with the soft, comfortable clothing I create. I believe a harmony is achieved and it is my way of paying tribute to our environment. 

I love to combine smooth, shimmering silk with merino wool by nuno felting. I sculpt the texture depending on how the silk and merino fibres are laid together. Using vegetable oil soap, water and much rolling by hand, the fibres naturally bond together. The result is a textured surface that imitates layers of bark and rock formations. The colours are obtained from eucalyptus leaves, bark, walnut hulls and other plants.

These natural fibres and plant dyes are vital to me. With our skin being our largest organ, I believe it is essential to lessen the chemical overload we absorb from most clothing, food and household products today.

Design Challenge

My challenge is to create wearable art that is beautiful, original, ecologically responsible and of course comfortable and practical to wear. These are pieces that are slow creations, to be cherished for many years. They are appreciated by a variety of age groups, being loved by their owners for being feminine, poetic, one of a kind, ecologically respectful and delightfully comfortable.