ART PRIZE 2018 : LINDSAY BENNETT
Lindsay Bennett is a fabric artist participating in Art Prize 2018 with her historically accurate Elizabethan Gown (vote code: 66834). I’m excited to showcase a new type of artist on my site… especially a medium that I am terrible with! And it’s so much sweeter to know that Lindsay learned her craft from both of her grandmothers and is carrying on a family tradition of seamstressery! (I made up a word?) Lindsay is turning 39 this year and she says she is still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up… which I think is ridiculous because she should clearly be a costume designer!!! Check out her gorgeous work below–along with an interview!
A brief description of the Elizabethan Gown from Lindsay’s Art Prize profile page:
“In continuing with my series of historic reproductions, this year I am creating an English gown from the late 16th century or Elizabethan era. My goal is to bring world history to life in a real and tangible way for both young and old by creating a visually historically accurate piece. I’ve seen first hand on many occasions how being in the presence of the opulence of these gowns can spark an interest in history that may not have been there before. Queen Elizabeth I herself was noted as favoring black and white clothing so that was the color theme I chose. The gown is comprised of ivory satin and tapestry fabrics and embellished with all glass pearls and crystals. The ruff collar is satin and Italian lace and the head piece, or Atifet, is satin and suede with pearls and crystals. I created period correct silk thread wrapped buttons for the sleeves and made my own reproduction jewelry staying with the pearl theme and embellishing with faux emeralds.”
Interview with Lindsay Bennett
How did you start creating art?
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. I’ve always enjoyed making things and sewing. I believe I was around 5 years old when I first took an interest in sewing and thanks to a couple of awesome sewing grandmas I was never lacking a teacher. They both encouraged my creativity and gave me the knowledge and tools necessary to be able to do what I do now.
Where did you grow up? How did your upbringing or growing up in that city influence your art?
I’ve lived in the Grand Rapids, MI area my entire life. Both of my grandmothers were seamstresses and taught me everything I know. One Grandmother was a quilter and doll maker and my other made clothing so I managed to learn a little bit of everything from them. My maternal grandmother came to the US from England. She met and married my grandfather, a US pilot, during WWII and came here after the war. Their stories sparked a love of history in me from a young age. My husband is also incredibly artistic which is something we can enjoy together. He’s been my biggest supporter and cheer leader these past few years.
Are there any art trends unique to the city you currently live in that inspire you?
The ArtPrize competition has always inspired me. It is wonderful to see the city transformed into one huge gallery and to see so many different people from all walks of life enjoying it. This will be my third year participating and my favorite thing is seeing how excited the children get when seeing something in real life that they’ve only ever seen in pictures.
Have any personal struggles or triumphs inspired any of your pieces?
My 8 year old son is Autistic. Shortly after he was born, with the support of my amazing husband, I left my office job to be a stay at home mother and care for him. It’s been a roller coaster of challenges and triumphs and he is the greatest kid I could ever ask for. Art, at this point in my life had become almost therapy for me. Sewing relaxes me and allows me to focus and re-set in a way. It started out as something I did just for fun and to earn a little extra money from home through mending and alterations. With the encouragement of my friends and family I entered ArtPrize 8, which was my first time ever displaying my work publicly. It was terrifying but turned out to be so fun and I haven’t looked back.
What piece of artwork are you most proud of? Why?
Can I say my kid? Because to date, he is still the most amazing thing I’ve ever created. But, If I had to choose something else I’d go with my 18th Century gown from ArtPrize 9. It challenged me in ways I’d never challenged myself before and I succeeded. Also, there was a young lady in an elementary group that came through and after seeing the dress and talking to me, she decided to learn to sew herself. That was one of my proudest moments.
What is your favorite medium or artists tool?
Fabric is my first love. I love all of the different textures and colors and taking something flat and molding it into a three dimensional piece. I’ll hunt for it anywhere from dismantled thrift store clothing and antique table linens to brand new bolts straight from the fabric store or online. I have a very large collection in my work studio but I always seem to be acquiring more.
Do you have any other hobbies outside of making artwork?
Sewing has always been my main hobby. I make quilts, dolls, full size gowns and more. If fabric is involved I love it. I also like to collect Sci-Fi memorabilia from shows like Doctor Who and Star Trek. With my love of history I have also become the keeper of many family heirlooms going back several generations.
Who is your favorite unknown artist?
Hands down my husband Timothy Bennett. He is a gifted photographer and wood worker. When it comes to photography he has an almost magic ability to capture the most beautiful candid shots when his subjects aren’t paying attention to the camera. He also makes beautiful furniture and is, in fact, creating me a custom wood podium to stand next to my piece in ArtPrize this year.
Who is your favorite well known artist?
Vincent Van Gogh. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Impressionists but his work has always stood out to me with his technique and use of color. Even though he experienced so much personal pain he created beauty. I find that very inspiring.
Do you have any big art projects you are planning on doing this year?
With two gowns of different periods complete and more planned, I hope to begin a volunteer Living History program and visit local schools and other educational events to give students a chance to really interact with history. Seeing gowns like these in real life is vastly different than reading a description and seeing pictures. In fact, it was my own curiosity about what an 18th century gown was like in real life that inspired me to create one myself.
Firstly, you must go check out her Art Prize profile to see tons of images of her piece that will be in Art Prize this year. Check it out here: artprize.org/66834
Secondly, Lindsay has actually documented the entire creation of this gown on her instagram account so give her a follow @lindsay.v.bennett
Thirdly, you can also follow her facebook page so give her a like too! Facebook.com/LBCoutureDolls