Constructing a tool belt (fully functioning complete with wired pockets) entirely from discarded men's shirts dyed with pink tones and embroidered with a variety of headlines and gender related wording, the picture was completed with an array of papier mache and embroidered tools.
Melanie then went on to explain the background to her degree work. Choosing the subject of alcohol abuse and depression may not seem to be perhaps not the most promising topics - or so one would think.
Using discarded beer cans as a base produced some rather surprising results! From killing the slugs attached to the insides of litter picked cans was not the most appealing job, and she was grateful for the help of her (now) husband in this aspect of her work!
Thought provoking and by using imagery including flowers and butterflies to represent new beginnings the pieces certainly had us all enthralled throughout her talk.
Melanie works into the metal with a sander to create a base, which is then drawn onto and machine stitched before being further embellished with hand stitching if required.
Reflecting on the cost to the NHS and other services:
Using single cans for individual pieces - these are first of all flattened and then stitched together again using fishing wire. A time consuming but effective use of an unusual material.
Sketchbook page
The "crowning glory" for her degree show was a pair of lampshades which have now been sold but the photographs were stunning.
Melanie has recently been working with secondary school students addressing issues around body image and confidence and using found objects related to fashion in general:
Our next meeting is the AGM on the 29th September, which will be followed by a brief talk about the
Treasure Trove Project - the history of entertainment in Blackpool
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