Tuesday 11 August 2009

Burnett & Catt - Recycled Costume - reposting




This is a costume constructed of recycled materials which we designed and created between March and May last year (2008). We were pretty proud of it at the time. It was commissioned by a Theatre company, although we were given free rein to interpret the theme as we wished. They use it at events promoting recycling. We thought that we'd come up with a quirky and original idea. The 'powdered' wig is constructed entirely of recycled knits/gloves etc. The dress itself is embroidered carrier bags stitched over recycled fabric. There are all sorts of odd bits and pieces, toys and offcuts of fur etc, nestled amongst the embroidery. Her fans are embroidered carrier bags and detergent bottles. These photos were taken on the night we finished the costume and are taken without the full underskirts so unfortunately its not so easy to catch all the detail in them. This is the probably the most viewed collection of images on the blog, 'recycled costume' being,understandably, a very popular search term. Please see more of our costume and carnival work on my website.

http://www.morwennacatt.co.uk/#/costume-carnival/4535101442

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Stockton Carnival Parade 2009 - carnival artist




I've been really busy for the last few weeks working as a carnival artist on this years Stockton Carnival Parade,apparently its the second biggest in the country. Each of the five artists commissioned was responsible for a section of the parade based around the theme, "Small wonders, Big world". My section was "play" so I had a great time helping my groups with their costumes and structures. Above are a set of toy soldiers from Teeside Positive Action with a very glamorous drag queen 'Crystal Decanter' in a Rainbow Frock stitched by Anthony (just peeking around Crystals shoulder above).



Stockton Parent Support became dancing Snakes and ladders, using a giant Snake and some Ladder backpacks in their routine. They did a fabulous job in the finale.



St Johns Primary School made toy cars and trains, slightly collapsed in the rain which poured for a few hours before and during the parade.




Play Wrensfield made Chess head-dresses and tabards. They also had two King and Queen backpack costumes. The Queen didnt have enough 'hair' fringing so I ended up improvising with some giant rollers.


Play Hardwick were Pacmen and Space Invaders and made some big space invader standards to carry.





Downs Syndrome North East managed to negotiate a giant bear, a huge doll, a smaller bear backback and a large helter skelter covered in sliding teddy bears through a rainy town centre. All while wearing plasterzote bear helmets and blowing bubble guns.




Navrang Arts are a Bollywood dance group that became a flock of Bollywood Birds for the afternoon.