Textile Revolution
My name is Ingrid Dam, I am an eco-friendly mixed media artist and I say to you: Let the Textile Revolution begin.
Clothing has become a disposable product due to large production, low prices and short lifespan. Experts estimate that more than fifty percent of the clothing sold is thrown away within 1 year.
A Western family throws away an average of 30 kilograms of clothing per year. Of everything we throw in the clothing bins, only 15% is recycled and the rest goes straight to the incinerator or landfill.
And that is not our own garbage dump, but one in Africa or Asia, and there they drown in our mess.
While such beautiful things can still be made of it.
For example, this coat, specially made for a fantasy festival, from sweaters and an old curtain.
Or blankets, tablecloths and cushions in quilting techniques
Or art, paintings with weaving, knotting and collage techniques.
or 3D objects, such as cuddly toys, pine trees and baskets, the latter of which is also ideally suited for incorporating single-use plastics.
Just a few from a huge list of products that can be made.
Working towards one goal, namely giving non-recyclable clothing a new life and crafting together creates a bond. I want to organize drop-in days, where people from all walks of life can join for free to make beautiful products, which can then be sold at handmade markets. The proceeds will flow back to the Textile Revolution and will thus become self-sufficient.
The first markets I want to focus on are the Christmas markets in November and December of this year.
For this project I need a lot of hands. I will look for them via social media, newspapers and Omroep Delft, where I have already been allowed to sit down as an artist. And of course I will promote this project at the markets where I will be present with my own art.
Dear people, dear jury! Fast Fashion becomes Slow Sewing. Let’s clean up our own mess by making something beautiful out of it. Let the Textile Revolution begin.