Two Community House colleagues have placed in the annual North Canterbury Wearable Arts competition for a second year.
Fiona Pierce and Robyn Valentine both received second place in two separate — and highly contested — categories: open, and avant-garde.
Mrs Valentine said there was a ‘‘really high standard’’ of entries.
‘‘We were most pleased.’’
Mrs Pierce’s piece Keeper of the Bees was stitched together from recycled fabrics and Pak’n’Save bags.
Incorporating a half hanging basket, in her design, Mrs Pierce loved how an idea took on a life of its own; ‘‘this one definitely did’’.
‘‘The Warrior Queen Bee is a messenger warning humanity of the devastating consequences of our actions on the natural word.
‘‘She leads her colony with strength, to adapt and thrive amidst the mounting threat of climate change, habitat destruction and pollution.’’
Mrs Pierce is a beekeeper herself, and has a passion for those ‘‘tiny but vital’’ creatures, and their crucial role in our existence.
After the piece was rejected from pre-selection in two other competitions, she said was a real ‘‘buzz’’ to finally get the garment on stage, and a thrill for it to place second in the open adult section.
Mrs Valentine won second place in the avant-garde section of the competition with her piece Wintering.
She said her art piece was made from reclaimed wedding gowns which had been dyed, distressed, and layered, before being carefully adorned with pre-loved jewellery and beading.
‘‘It reflects a season of emotional retreat: a time to rest, grieve, and gather strength.’’
She said the piece was inspired by the quiet resilience found in stillness.
‘‘This work honours the slow, necessary process of healing after loss.
‘‘Wintering embraces the idea that stepping away is not weakness, but a vital part of renewal.’’
The duo were now putting down their scissors to start preparing for Art in Motion, which would be Timaru’s first wearable arts competition.
The event would be held at Caroline Bay Hall on September 27 with two shows at 1pm and 7pm.
Tickets are available through HUMANTIX, or through the website artinmotionsc.com
