CONCHOPHILIA

This collection proposes the use of seashells and their behaviours to create a methodological framework for designing wearable knitted sculptures for the body. The behaviours of exposure, protection, growth, and constriction are used to map out the cyclic life pattern of the woman's body and explore its growth. This cyclic view of the woman's body is rooted in re-imagined storytelling of classic myths, continuing the traditional practice of retelling stories to fit or change the perception of current social constructions. The mythology of maiden-mother-crone is aligned with seashell growth cycle, creating a conceptual dialogue between the two. This creates a dynamic storytelling within the research which informs the behaviour and look of the individual pieces.