Tartan Mind Mend
November 2021
Mind Mend is an art therapy project with a sustainable focus, with the aim to raise money for people suffering with mental health issues associated with lockdowns and Covid-19. Mind Mend is Tartan’s attempt to address two issues simultaneously: mental health and waste created by the fashion industry.
Tartan asked members of its extended creative community to re-purpose their excess samples, stock and seconds, with the hope of:
· Raising awareness of sustainable practices in the fashion industry and suggesting creative ways to tackle excess production.
· Soothing frazzled nervous systems with creative therapy and community connection.
· Supporting and promoting creative individuals and small businesses during lockdown.
· Raising money for mental health focussed charities.
Each collaborator was given a Tartan sample which they were invited to mend, patch, dye, re-construct, de-construct, shred, weave, knit, paint, draw, embroider, embellish, film, photograph or alter in any way that moved them. The re-imagined pieces were showcased in store and online at Poepke and available for purchase via online auction. The auction raised $10,680 and 100% of the proceeds from items sold has been donated to the following charities:
https://kidshelpline.com.au
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
https://headspace.org.au
Artist Holly Leonardson was given a stained white organic silk slip dress sample to up-cycle for Mind Mend.
Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.
Holly Leonardson: Inspired by my collection of cut out images that hadn't yet been used in other work, I knew exactly what I wanted to create for my re-imagined Tartan silk slip dress. My decision to hand sew printed silk patches onto the dress came from the need to cover a very small stain on the front of the piece; the same applique method was repeated across the rest of the garment. I chose to keep the dress intact, as I didn't want the previous effort of producing the garment to go to waste. The images were recreated in black and white to give a consistent look and offer the widest scope for mixing and matching with other clothing and accessories. It was also important for me to have these images digitally printed on silk crepe de chine; I wanted the garment to retain its light, fluid nature and silky soft feel.
TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
HL: Early in lockdown I had a lot of energy and time, which I put into morning runs, afternoon walks and lots of time spent collaging and reading fiction. A month in I began working from home for my employer full time, so I had less hours in the day to create and be outside. Eventually I was
able to find a balance and work on my piece for Mind Mend.
TMM: Tell us about what you do that defines being a creative to you.
HL: I mostly work with found objects to produce handmade collages, objects and sometimes jewellery. While the actual making is my favourite part, I also enjoy looking for potential materials in secondhand stores and flea markets. Seeing something that catches my eye, and trying to work out on the spot the different ways I could possibly use the material means that being creative happens outside of my studio just as much as within.
TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
HL: At first, lockdown was great for my creative process as I had time to make and lots of ideas. Towards the end, I became really busy with work and found it hard to do anything else besides watch a lot of TV. Mind Mend gave me the chance to focus on something creative with a deadline, and I relished the process of hand stitching while listening to my favourite albums.
TMM: How did you get interested in collage and why is it one of your chosen mediums to express through?
HL: I started making collages a little over ten years ago. The illustrations in old children's books and encyclopedias really inspired me and I was already collecting lots of vintage clothes and tchotchkes. The joy of discovering new source material in an op-shop or secondhand book shop is a thrill that never gets old. I'm naturally a collector and collage is a great outlet and enabler for this activity.
TMM: You work mostly with found objects, what draws you to the objects you find?
HL: When I find something that catches my eye, there's usually this rush of excitement and I'll know it's likely that I will need to purchase it for my work whether I know what I'll use it for or not. Mostly it's a colour, pattern or particular material. What I bring home needs to have the feeling that it is unique, a bit weird or makes me want to laugh when I see it.
100% Organic Silk
Gentle Hand Wash
