In my life, I have struggled with a lot of anxiety. I wanted this dress to showcase the effect that anxiety can have on people, as well as my personal growth. Growing up and getting older can be nerve-wracking for everyone, and doing so in a pandemic is even more stressful. As I graduate high school and get ready to move to a bigger city to start university I am riddled with fears. What if I don’t like it? What if I chose the wrong program or the wrong university? What if I fail? These thoughts became the inspiration for my art.
The dress has been created in black and white to represent the black and white thinking style that is often associated with anxious thoughts. The gold rim represents the "silver lining" of life when you can realize not everything needs to be stressed over and that some moments are simply there to enjoy. The swirling patterns throughout my dress represent the way that your thoughts can spiral due to anxiety, often becoming larger and darker if you don't stop them while the necklace points to the feeling of being choked because of fear. The pearl decals on my dress symbolize wisdom learned through experience, balance, and a new beginning. All of which will eventually come in the future. Finally, the flowers on my dress show personal growth through hard times, and how you are forever blooming and changing throughout your life.
25 Rolls
157 Hours