Summary

Soft Bodies is a suite of textile sculptures. The forms have been inspired by a visit to the unique fossil sites in the Flinders Ranges. Stromatolite fossils are formed by many layers of microbes (cyanobacteria) built up over time. Stromatolites provide the most ancient record of life. Soft Bodies is a fabric record.

Organisation

Inspiration/Method

The geology of the Flinders Ranges inspired the forms of Soft Bodies. Parallel to the process of fossilization is that of the evolution of the sculptures. Hand screen-printed and dyed kimono silk lining has been folded, squeezed, crumpled, twisted and pressed into being.

The fabric used to make Soft Bodies references the idea of silk as clothing. We wear it on our bodies. If taken care of it will survive the wearer. In the same way the fossils are exposed, Soft Bodies are a reminder of our own impermanence.

The themes of Soft Bodies are that of time, the process of change and the memory of the force that created the change. As we live we are molded by our circumstances. When we depart we leave behind a trace of our existence. Fabric retains the impression of manipulation.

Design Challenge

To design and create three dimensional textile puzzle pieces that fit together as a formation. The formation needed to reflect the layering of time.

To use natural dyes to hand screen print and dye the fabric. The colours had to reference the palate of the Flinders Ranges.

To design and create an internal structure that allowed for flexibility and strength.