Lauren Brincat / The Blood Knot Bag

Artist, Lauren Brincat made a bag with an internal silk pocket with her Tartan silk sample.

Tartan Mind Mend: Tell us about what you do, that defines being a creative to you.
Lauren Brincat: I’m a visual artist who has recently joined the Clothing Store Artist Studios at Carriageworks. I work across diverse media, from video and performance to sculpture and installation. I’ve been a creative for 41 years - it's my first language and something I can’t live without. It’s innate.

TMM: What creative pursuits, little rituals, or things to look forward to, helped you to keep going during lockdown?
LB: My kitchen has become my studio. It's where I write, dance and make challah for the neighbourhood.

TMM: Tell us your idea about your re-imagined tartan piece and what moved you to re-create it like you did.
LB: I’ve always wanted to make a practical bag for the studio, market, shopping, an overnight stay or for the beach. A bag that fits everything. I spoke to my friends at Sydney Sails and they agreed to help with the project.
I love sailcloth and its durable qualities. It's made for storms, harsh sun, and salt water. Silk was one of the first fabrics to be used for sails, so I thought there was a nice connection.
Sailcloth is the main material of the bag, with rope, blood knots, and a secret silk pocket inside. I used the Tartan silk sample to make these precious pockets. Something you can place your valuables in.
I love any excuse to create and make in the sail loft - I was an artist in residency there so we made the bag together. Thank you team!

TMM: How has the lockdown affected your creative process?
LB: I miss going into the studio. But the ‘studio' just turned into other spaces like my kitchen and morning walks - I walked SO much! What an excellent way to think and clear your mind.

TMM: When the world opens back up, what is the first thing you would love to do?
LB: Hug my mum, have everyone over for dinner and start new conversations in my Carriageworks studio. I'm really looking forward to seeing art at a museum. And live music! I can’t wait to see and hear live music again…

A special big thank you to Sydney Sails for their time and help on this project!

Sailcloth
Rope
Organic Silk
Spot Clean With Damp Cloth

73cm x 73cm x 50cm

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.

www.laurenbrincat.com