May 2, 2004 | Surface Tension (Exhibit).

There is a story behind this dress. I had been accepted to exhibit at gallery 44, while living in Italy. The focus of the installation was this dress, hand sewn and embroidered with text. The text, which I hand stitched during long train rides in Europe, was based on letters written to me while abroad. However, while backpacking from the Rome train station to find a hotel, I was mugged, and my hand luggage, including this dress were never seen again. It took three additional months to recreate, from scratch, but the second dress was never quite the same. It wasn't a labour of love.

I found this postcard, that I had written to my grandmother, but never mailed. I'm not sure how old I was, but judging by my short attention span, I must have been quite young:
Dear Granny. Thankyou for the stamps you sent me. I hope you are well. Paddy still likes his wheel. But Jane is looking after Paddy now.*
I have got lots of stars at school. I am having a party on the 24th November. I am having eighteen people to my party. Mary and the family is coming in January. I am so excited. I hope you and Peter have a nice christmas. I like art and am not going to stop. Jane's new pen friend has sent letters to her.
Love Alison xx

* Paddy was our pet hamster.

post your comment | read all comments (1)