Summary
A
collection of eco friendly nature inspired clothing made from
sustainably sourced silk and Australian merino wool. Each piece is
unique and created by hand, a combination of nuno felting and natural
dyeing using plants. The works are sensual, sculptural and original.
Project
Creator
Gina
Mastio Studio
Gina
Mastio
Project
Team
Me,
myself and I, plus a few gum leaves here and there.
After
completing a BA in Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Curtin University in
1992, followed by a diploma in Permaculture, I then set off to see
the world. This eventually led me to marry and live in France for 11
years, where my longing for the Australian bush saw me combine my
interests of nature, sustainability and textiles into creating eco
clothing.
I began selling my work in France and online
in 2009. My family and I moved to Sydney in 2011 and I now continue
my creations from my beloved homeland.
I create both
collections and bespoke orders and my work is in private collections
in Europe, North America and Australia.
Inspiration/Method
Since
childhood I have been enamoured with the Australian landscape and in
particular with the 'skin' of the eucalyptus tree. I adore the power
of the land and our humbling vulnerability upon it. Growing up in WA,
trips to the Pilbara embedded a deep appreciation of this stunning
landscape.
I contrast the strong relentless beauty of our
landscape with the soft, comfortable clothing I create. I believe a
harmony is achieved and it is my way of paying tribute to our
environment.
I love to combine smooth, shimmering silk
with merino wool by nuno felting. I sculpt the texture depending on
how the silk and merino fibres are laid together. Using vegetable oil
soap, water and much rolling by hand, the fibres naturally bond
together. The result is a textured surface that imitates layers of
bark and rock formations. The colours are obtained from eucalyptus
leaves, bark, walnut hulls and other plants.
These
natural fibres and plant dyes are vital to me. With our skin being
our largest organ, I believe it is essential to lessen the chemical
overload we absorb from most clothing, food and household products
today.
Design
Challenge
My
challenge is to create wearable art that is beautiful, original,
ecologically responsible and of course comfortable and practical to
wear. These are pieces that are slow creations, to be cherished for
many years. They are appreciated by a variety of age groups, being
loved by their owners for being feminine, poetic, one of a kind,
ecologically respectful and delightfully comfortable.
