sutton071

Trapped, constricted, tied down by societies rules of norm. It is a shared history for many, and depressingly a largely female one. Whilst many men had at least some room for manoeuvre within their lot, some could work their way into different fields, different positions, some could emigrate, start afresh, anew, women could only really change their circumstances under the shadow of another.  The men in their life, whether father, brother, husband, son, often set the parameters of a womans life, and the opportunities, or lack of them. Women had few if any outlets for growth, and were expected to support and compliment the world of the men in their life, that role was rarely reciprocal. I know from the stories in my own family history, as well as that of others, the staggering amount of women, generation after generation after generation, who lived in frustration, angry at the tiny world they were deemed to need. Many of them more sharply aware that they were more talented, more ener...

Today sees the release of Inspirational Plus - man/body/fiber 6 artists/8 questions The artists: Anthony Stevens, Cos Ahmet, James Fox, Joe Lewis, Luke Haynes, Stewart Kelly The questions: Why fiber/textiles and not another discipline? What does it mean to you personally, being a man? What does it mean to you being a man in the fiber/textiles field? How do you think that your gender influences your work as an artist? What do you think that you have brought with you to the fiber/textiles discipline, by being a man? Do you express your gender through fiber/textiles in a general, or more personal level? Would you encourage more men to enter the fiber/textiles world, and if so, why? What next for Ant/Cos/James/Joe/Luke/ Stewart? Inspirational Plus comes in at 76 pages, with 49 full page, full colour photos of artists work. All imagery and all answers to questions are entirely the choice of each artist, nothing has been edited by me. Inspirational Plus can be bought for $6.99, and instantly...

Ian Berry: Journey Home , 2013. Photo credit: courtesy of the artist ianberry.org From workwear to haute couture, historical to contemporary, rebellion to endeavour, a new exhibition opening this August, Love Thy Denim, celebrates the many faces of our beloved denim. This exciting and impressive fashion exhibition will explore the origins and versatility of denim, from its workwear heritage in the Wild West right through to its adoption into mainstream fashion and becoming the fabric of our everyday lives. There will be many key pieces on display, including a jacket and trousers from Vivienne Westwood’s 1991 Cut, Slash and Pull collection, the first time that this ensemble has been out on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum (the V&A). Among the other exhibition highlights are a Jean Paul Gaultier men’s ensemble on loan from the Fashion Museum Bath, a piece from Maison Margiela’s SS2009 Artisanal Collection, exhibits from British denim revivalists Blackhorse Lane Ateliers and n...