Edie Welch

My final garments portray 2 forms of symbiosis, mutualism and parasitism, and the relationship between parasite and host, drawing similarities to human relationships. The synthetic, red, swollen layer, pulling down on the neck, inspired by parasites, shows the draining relationship of a parasite on a host. The colours of Rafflesia arnoldii make up the garment with textiles inspired by parasitic worms, wasps and fungi creating an organic, natural silhouette. The second garment, made mainly from roots, reflects a mutualistic (healthy) relationship with textiles inspired from lichens and root nodules. When worn together this covers the parasitic layer which hides beneath, showing the characteristic of parasites to deceive and trick their host. The shapes of these roots were grown mirroring the shapes of human relationships I observed during primary research. As time passes, the mutualistic root layer will decompose leaving behind the parasite reflecting on how parasites slowly drain their host.

For the parasite layer I chose red colours of the Parasitic meat flower: Rafflesia arnoldii and synthetic materials. Like a parasite does, the materials posed as something they were not: natural textiles. For example, acrylic yarn instead of real wool. For the mutualistic layer I used Wheat Grass Roots and all natural materials such as raw sheep’s wool, as well as earthy colours such as greens and browns.

I experimented with multiple techniques including crochet, felting, wire work, weave and embroidery. I created a variety of textures on the surface of my garments to enhance their organic appearance. I dyed yarn with lichens and experimented with root growth. Through trial and error, I found a successful method of growing, extracting and drying the roots to be used as a textile. I explored felting and embroidery into the roots to achieve variations in texture and experimented with growing the roots in shaped, tinfoil containers.