Holly Leonardson / Digital Print Patched Slip Dress

Artist, Holly Leonardson was given a stained white organic silk slip dress sample to upcycle for Mind Mend.

Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about your re-imagined Tartan piece and what inspired you.
Holly Leonardson: Inspired by my collection of cut out images that hadn't yet been used in other work, I knew exactly what I wanted to create for my re-imagined Tartan silk slip dress. My decision to hand sew printed silk patches onto the dress came from the need to cover a very small stain on the front of the piece; the same applique method was repeated across the rest of the garment. I chose to keep the dress intact, as I didn't want the previous effort of producing the garment to go to waste. The images were recreated in black and white to give a consistent look and offer the widest scope for mixing and matching with other clothing and accessories. It was also important for me to have these images digitally printed on silk crepe de chine; I wanted the garment to retain its light, fluid nature and silky soft feel.

TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
HL: Early in lockdown I had a lot of energy and time, which I put into morning runs, afternoon walks and lots of time spent collaging and reading fiction. A month in I began working from home for my employer full time, so I had less hours in the day to create and be outside. Eventually I was able to find a balance and work on my piece for Mind Mend.

TMM: Tell us about what you do that defines being a creative to you.
HL: I mostly work with found objects to produce handmade collages, objects and sometimes jewellery. While the actual making is my favourite part, I also enjoy looking for potential materials in secondhand stores and flea markets. Seeing something that catches my eye, and trying to work out on the spot the different ways I could possibly use the material means that being creative happens outside of my studio just as much as within.

TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
HL: At first, lockdown was great for my creative process as I had time to make and lots of ideas. Towards the end, I became really busy with work and found it hard to do anything else besides watch a lot of TV. Mind Mend gave me the chance to focus on something creative with a deadline, and I relished the process of hand stitching while listening to my favourite albums.

TMM: How did you get interested in collage and why is it one of your chosen mediums to express through?
HL: I started making collages a little over ten years ago. The illustrations in old children's books and encyclopedias really inspired me and I was already collecting lots of vintage clothes and tchotchkes. The joy of discovering new source material in an op-shop or secondhand book shop is a thrill that never gets old. I'm naturally a collector and collage is a great outlet and enabler for this activity.

TMM: You work mostly with found objects, what draws you to the objects you find?
HL: When I find something that catches my eye, there's usually this rush of excitement and I'll know it's likely that I will need to purchase it for my work whether I know what I'll use it for or not. Mostly it's a colour, pattern or particular material. What I bring home needs to have the feeling that it is unique, a bit weird or makes me want to laugh when I see it.

100% Organic Silk
Gentle Hand Wash

Sample Size 1/S

Due to the handmade/second hand nature of this item any imperfections are considered intentional and are unique characteristics of this one of a kind piece. Over time changes may occur. Handle with care. No exchanges or refunds are available for Tartan Mind Mend charity auction items.

@hollyleonardson
www.hollyleonardson.net