Starry Night

2001 Juried Exhibition, International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA), Kansas City, MO

Van Gogh’s post-impressionism works have been admired and have provided inspiration to millions. One of the most exceptional works, The Starry Night, was chosen for direct inspiration source because of its characteristics including Van Gogh’s painting technique. This project objective was to incorporate Van Gogh’s coloration and unique artistic interpretation of nature to surface design element.

Four motifs chosen from The Starry Night were applied through beading, hand embroidery, and applique. Seed and bugle beads, silk ribbon, and rayon floss were used in the surface design. Beads were applied with backstitches knotting every 2-3 beads. White silk ribbons were individually dyed with different shades of blue and yellow. The silk ribbon and floss were applied with free-hand satin stitches to express the brush strokes of the painting.

The ensemble consists of four garment pieces: (a) hoop foundation, (b) layered petticoat, (c) under dress, and (d) over dress. Fabrications of the ensemble were Thai silk, velvet, and satin. Basic pattern blocks were draped and digitized into computer using PAD© System Pattern. All the patterns were developed in PAD©.