Paper Silhouettes: Shredded

Aesthetically and externally, this garment is one of silk and hand-recycled paper. It is part of a capsule collection of two dresses, “Shredded” and “Remade”, symbolizing the paper-recycling process as well as the potential for beauty in all things – even in that which is torn, thrown away, or deemed worthless.  In first researching the process of hand recycling, it seemed strange and nonsensical in ways. Nevertheless, I gathered old essays from recycling bins and catalogues and magazines that were out of date, tearing them up and then soaking them in water.  This mixture of water was then pulverized in a blender and sifted into sheets using a moulde and deckle (window screening stretched over picture frames). “Shredded” represents the first part of the paper-recycling process, when worn and outdated paper is torn up and a clean finish seems like a distant dream.  The central idea behind this gown is the process of improvement.  It makes a statement about human circumstances and seasons, that even during instances of deconstruction, the potential for beauty endures.