“Bursting at the Seams: An Exploration of Feelings and Fast Fashion”

During my Senior year at The College of Wooster, I completed a year-long Independent Study, culminating in the achievement of Departmental Honors. Throughout this experience, I planned, developed, and executed a significant original research paper and curated and installed a gallery show highlighting the physical elements of my thesis.

Artist Statement: Entitled "Bursting at the Seams: An Exploration of Feelings and Fast Fashion," my thesis delved into the intricate web of emotions and ethical dilemmas surrounding the fast fashion industry. It was not just an academic pursuit but a reflection of my journey grappling with these complex issues while finishing my college career during a global pandemic.

For the physical component of my study, I meticulously crafted eight unique garments from materials sourced from secondhand stores, each representing a feeling associated with the garment style or the fabric. The act of sewing new clothes from secondhand clothing became a powerful catalyst for confronting my emotions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the process of disassembling, cutting, sewing, and remaking garments, I not only gained insight into the detrimental impacts of fast fashion on both the environment and the people involved in its production but also found solace and clarity amidst uncertainty.

Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with a comforting sense of understanding and uncertainty. I can't predict how the future will play out. Still, I control the actions I take every day to advocate for the environment and those who work in the fast fashion industry. As I explored in my Independent Study, I can choose to feel my emotions and move through them daily, using them to guide me through the pandemic and the next phase of my life after graduation.