Liz Clay

'Boro Boro' Kimono

A contemporary design inspired by the Japanese Kimono and craft of re-purposing textiles (boro boro) to create new fabric.

The jacket is entirely hand made: Nuno felt fabric of printed silk, fine cotton muslin, Merino wool and cashmere; hand pleated and sewn. Hand drafted pattern of custom design. For display: a mannequin or suspended using the hanger provided.

THE PANDEMIC EFFECT

I am by nature a busy person and, I believe, resilient when faced with obstacles. Lockdown brought a sense of opportunity. Isolation is a necessary part of my creativity and my practice. Or so I thought. Containment by Covid has been problematic: the gift of time has never been more end uring. I found myself struggling to slow down…

Priorities have changed. My working life has become increasingly tempered with family concerns. The impact of loss and ill health has changed our world. Our 2020 has witnessed its extremes.

Life on pause is not all bad, the positives have been liberating.

Isolation has bestowed me with an extended work space: the sanctuary of outdoors in glorious unsurpassed weather… hardly isolation.

Leisurely walks have become more purposeful, rapt with intense observation of the familiar. Nature has always supplied me with such but now the appreciation is more vital. Time to think and re-connect.

Life’s new norm has offered a strange kind of urgency fuelled by overwhelming uncertainty. This feeling persists.

In re-setting the balance, I sense the promise of new: for now I remain on hold.