Back in July of 2016 I began designing and creating clothing. I would like to share the inspiration for my budding clothing line.
I recently thought back to the days of flipping through fashion magazines in junior high. I would immediately find what resonated. What I liked was usually not at all practical, but fantastically unique. On my 13th birthday I remember piecing patterns together and working at the sewing machine to recreate what I liked.
Through the years that followed, social norms would shape my style. Jobs would affect what I bought and wore. During my 20’s I became a young professional as my closet reflected. But recently I left the professional world to focus on my Artwork. My style since became a mish-mash of garments reminding me of whose employee I was way back when. Whether I wore them at the office or waiting tables, the common thread was they all had paint on them. I used to get so frustrated when paint magically appeared on my nicest of clothes. But then I realized, “I am an Artist and it’s finally okay to dress like one!”.
I made an agreement with myself that no matter what job I needed to pick up to pay the bills, I would not dress the part of that employee off the clock. I began looking online to see what clothing I could find that would resonate like they did back in junior high. After 20 years, I finally rediscovered my own style (we all have our own).
Last year I began printing my paintings onto garments, and now I am starting a line of one-of-a-kind hand-painted clothing, because I like wearing my work; they feel uniquely me. To my surprise many others like them too! This has been really exciting to see unfold, and I can’t believe the reminder to dress like ME has brought me so much, and I look forward to see where it brings me.
Always be yourself!