Entry for Art Bra Austin, a breast cancer survivor benefit
AFA members have an email circle to pass interesting fiber art news and inspiration, which is how I found out about Art Bra Austin, a benefit for breast cancer survivors. Since I’m also a belly dancer, I apply fiber arts skills to costume decoration – lots of pretty bras and belts. Art Bra Austin was a match made in heaven for me – I was thrilled to have all the stars aligned so perfectly for a charity event. Also, I wanted to contribute a piece in honor of my survivor friends Jody and Elicia and especially Lynn, who has been through it twice and is a generous supporter of all who are facing that fight.
I was initially worried that I wouldn’t get my entry done on time; I had given myself a month. However, the joy of being able to apply some pretty unusual skills for charity carried me through and I finished within 3 weeks. The actual event is May 18th – an art bra fashion show and auction – see http://artbraaustin.org. Here’s the artist’s statement for my submission:
I wanted my bra to be beautiful because every woman should feel beautiful, dignified because the medical process strips so much dignity, and significant because this cause is significant to all women. So, a sunrise; an every day occurrance with wonderful beauty, majestic dignity and eternal significance. The choice of crushed velvets in graded colors was deliberate, the glittery gauzy lace was a happy accident; I had never seen such fabric before but knew that its elegance would be perfect. The fabrics are hand sewn to the base bra and I had originally intended to glitz it up with beads and sequins and sparklies but after applying the lace, I felt it was done. (Well, there’s still a little bling in the crystals on the night side of the bra.) May its new owner wear this bra with joy and confidence and party at a some future mardi gras until the sun comes up.