Science and toys inspire region’s WearableArt entries

Child's play and the intertwining of arts and science have inspired the two Otago designers accepted for this year’s World of WearableArt (Wow) awards.

The creations of Carolyn Laing, of Clyde, and Ruth Arkless, of Waldronville, will be part of Wow 2018 from September 27 to October 14.

Mrs Laing is a third-time Wow competitor who is also well known for her entries in the WoolOn Creative Fashion Event in Central Otago; she has won its avant-garde section several times.

For Ms Arkless, a science teacher who has long been interested in the arts and specialises in needle felting, it will be her first time exhibiting at Wow.

Both designers said they were thrilled to be accepted for this year’s Wow.

The names and detail of the entries are kept under wraps until the event, but Mrs Laing’s creation, in the "Bizarre Bra" category of Wow, is made from children’s play materials, the idea for her entry coming to her while she was sorting through old toys of her teenage children.

Ms Arkless said her multimedia entry in the "Under the microscope section" was a nod to her science career but also her love of the arts, and she saw various synergies between the arts and science.

This year’s 30th anniversary Wow show will feature entries from almost 150 designers, including 65  from around New Zealand.

pam.jones@odt.co.nz