doing
a slow fashion project; a practice in mindfulness
Artist in process at Hosmer Library; Photo credit: Anthony Chapin
duration/size
196 hours
36” x 17” x 12” (garment on form:)
date/location
winter 2015-2016
Minneapolis Public Libraries
materials
organic cotton, zipper, cotton thread, 3984 inherited buttons
Summary
Doing was borne out of personal narrative and the slow fashion movement. I originally considered it a counter action to the rampant fast fashion consumerism in our culture and as a tool to cultivate and support my daily meditation practice, through sewing. As I have an overarching goal of ‘doing with less’ and practicing mindfulness, this project evokes those themes related to the care for our garments, our environment, and ourselves.
Doing was an extended fiber arts practice - a sewing meditation, 4 days each week, 4 hours per session - during which I made a dress and covered it in 3,984 buttons over the course of a total 196 hours. The project draws upon the personal narrative of my family and its long line of seamstresses.
My intention with doing was to engage with a steady and mindful practice that would bring focus to my work, while still remaining in the public sphere. The values I focused on for this project included: mindfulness, connection, trust and adventure. I was dedicated to practicing mindfulness as I stitched. I was committed to exploring my connection with the fabric, the people, the environment around me. I trusted that I could sustain this practice, and that I would be respected. And I would seek adventure in the public spaces and through interactions.
documentation in library context
resulting garment
CREDITS:
Creators:
Created by Erin Lavelle, in exchange with the visitors and staff of the Hennepin County Public Libraries
Materials provided by the Lavelle and Lundeen families with additional support from Carolyn Kingsley-Hefty
Documentation: Anthony Chapin, Erin Lavelle, James Orione, Guy Wagner
Advisor: Devora Neumark
Special Thanks:
Hennepin County Libraries
Future Sightings:
The resulting garment from doing went on to be presented in the group exhibition A Common Thread at the Textile Center (Minneapolis), the student art show at Goddard College (Port Townsend, WA), and at the Textile Center display at the Minnesota State Fair (Saint Paul).