Artistic Evolution: From Shadow Box to Sculpture

Breaking the Boundaries of the Frame

My artistic journey with vintage pattern paper began with small-scale shadow box pieces - miniature garments carefully arranged behind glass. While I continue to cherish creating these intimate framed works, I've found myself increasingly drawn to exploring the three-dimensional potential of this unique medium.

"Architectural Pattern Couture"

This free-standing sculptural dress represents a significant evolution in my creative process. Liberated from the constraints of the shadow box, this piece commands space in an entirely new way. Standing proudly on its golden pedestal, the multi-layered gown showcases the structural possibilities hidden within humble pattern paper.

The construction required different techniques than my framed work, challenging me to think architecturally about support, balance, and form. Each layer of the skirt was carefully shaped and positioned to create the cascading effect, while the bodice and sleeves demanded precision folding to maintain their shape without the support of a backing.

Material Dialogue

Cutting Line Couture

What fascinates me about working with vintage sewing patterns is how they carry their own history and purpose. In this piece, I've intentionally highlighted the technical markings, allowing glimpses of instructions and cutting lines to remain visible. The hexagonal pattern detail at the neckline echoes the geometric precision found in dressmaking, while the varying tones of the paper - from deep amber to gentle cream - create a subtle colour story throughout the piece.

The burgundy interior visible through the opening of the golden base connects this sculpture conceptually to my "Cutting Line Couture" framed gown, creating a visual conversation between different pieces in my collection.

From Flat to Form

This transition from flat framed works to three-dimensional sculpture mirrors the very journey of the sewing pattern itself - from flat paper template to formed garment. There's a certain poetic symmetry in transforming these patterns, which were designed to create dimensional clothing, into art pieces that themselves become dimensional.

As I continue to explore this medium, I find myself increasingly drawn to this interplay between flatness and form, between the technical and the artistic, between utility and beauty. Each piece preserves not just the physical material of vintage patterns but honours the craft knowledge and design intelligence embedded within them.