About Me
Hi, I'm Sophie, a graduate from Norwich University of the Arts
I was inspired by coral reefs and the way in which climate change has negatively impacted them - focusing on the impact of plastic pollution and the natural phenomenon of coral bleaching.
To convey the message of the way in which pollution is negatively impacting our reefs, I have given a second life to a collection of 'single-use' plastic PPE aprons, which due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are worn once as protection and then thrown away. I have used these aprons to create yarn to crochet with and have also made use of plastic litter that I collected from beaches.
INSPIRATION
I drew inspiration from the concept of coral bleaching and plastic pollution in the ocean
My initial inspiration stemmed from a collection of photographs of coral which were taken on trips to Australia and Seattle. After looking through these I came across an article about coral bleaching and was astounded by the lack of vibrancy and colour in the reefs photographed. Through further research I began to understand why corals bleach, and its link to climate change and plastic pollution.
Once I had understood this link, I began thinking of ways that I could portray the message through textiles and crochet, as this is where my passion lies. This collection includes reused plastic Covid-19 PPE as well as litter picked directly from the beach, I wanted to give a second life to these pieces of 'rubbish' and to highlight both the amount of plastic waste that ends up on the beach, and also the issue of coral bleaching, by incorporating more of the plastic yarn as the collection progresses.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Concept Imagery for Final Project
Photographs from Seattle and Australia
Colour Inspiration, Fabric and Yarn Choice
Inspirational Imagery
Exhibition Research
Inspirational Imagery
Initial Design Development
Line Up and Design Development
Zooxanthellae Final Line Up
Outfit 1 - Wetsuit Development
Outfit 1 - Crochet Coat Development
Inspirational Image
Outfit 3 Developments
Outfit 1 Details
Outfit 3 Details
Zooxanthellae Final Outfit 1
Zooxanthellae Final Outfit 1
DETAIL
I made use of plastic waste and gave it a new life within the collection
By re-using items of Covid-19 PPE and pieces of litter from the beach, I wanted to highlight the impact our waste has upon our wildlife and oceans. I used the plastic yarn to create white space in the garments and highlight the issue of coral bleaching, while thinking about sustainability and being environmentally conscious through the design and make process
"We need to know how human activities are affecting coral reef ecosystems; coral reefs are among the most sensitive indicators of the health of the oceans."
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