Experimenting with baby clothes

I was not entirely sure how this piece was going to turn out, as it began as an experimental test. I wanted to see whether the baby clothes would hold their shape using only PVA glue and water, how long they would take to dry, whether I should introduce colour, or whether I should leave the clothes in their natural state. These were all questions I was exploring throughout the making process.

Interestingly, I found aspects of all the different approaches appealing. I liked the idea of keeping the clothes in their natural form, as this maintained a direct connection to the original garments and their history. However, when treated with PVA glue, some of the fabrics, particularly the grey clothing, appeared permanently wet. If I were to leave the clothes unpainted, I would need to think more carefully about the colours and fabrics I selected.

Once I applied a white base coat, my feelings began to change. The white surface highlighted the textures, shapes and details of the clothing in a way that I found really interesting. Features such as the ribbed waistband, seams, folds and poppers on the bib suddenly became much more noticeable. The piece almost took on a porcelain-like quality, allowing the structure of the clothing to become the focus.

The introduction of colour created another dilemma. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colours and the visual impact they brought to the piece. However, I also felt that the colour began to distract from the clothing itself. When I asked people what they could see, most eventually recognised that the sculpture was made from clothing, but many did not realise it was made from baby clothes until I pointed it out.

As a result, I find myself torn between two directions. Part of me is drawn to the bold colours and expressive surface, while another part of me feels that a simpler approach may communicate the meaning and emotional connection to early motherhood more clearly. This experiment has raised important questions about how colour can either enhance or compete with the message behind the work, and it is something I would like to continue exploring in future pieces.