Sometimes I am struck with inspiration by the most ordinary, mundane things……like newspaper. This hat is the end project of such an inspiration.
I covered a hat form with papier mache using an issue of the Ottawa Citizen. All I knew for sure when I started was that I wanted the word “art” in the center of the top of the hat, the words on the torn paper pieces would be placed on and around the hat with no rhyme or reason and most importantly, I did not want any articles containing violence, politics, crime or other evils to be part of my work. I selected only creative, artistic, positive and uplifting writings from the newspaper to tear up and place on the hat.
Once my papier mache application had fully dried, I sprayed the hat with a finishing spray to further harden and protect the paper surface. I then had to decide on a colour scheme and accompanying decorative elements. I had originally thought to use black and red on it but once the papier mache had dried and I saw how muted, soft and slightly aged the hat looked, I was drawn to a more relaxing and ladylike palette.
The ribbon and lace hat band, the gauzy rosettes, light taupe tulle and vintage mother of pearl buttons compliment as well as set off the cream, black and grey tones of the newsprint. The film strip ribbon from a line of mixed media products by Tim Holtz is something I have had in my stash of unusual supplies for some time now. I pulled it out and held it up to the hat and it just seemed to work. I was happy to finally be able to put the film ribbon to use and that it added such an unexpected finishing touch.
The hat has been lined with black taffeta and an elastic attached to form a secure and hassle free fit.
I am not sure what this finished lovely “means” or is “trying to say”. This time, there was really no theme or statement being made. It is simply a piece for someone who wants to express the presence and enjoyment of beauty, the arts, grace, positivity and the freedom to dream in life.
(Model: Paulina Hanzel)
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