Corset Revival by Ann Bauden

Ann Bauden

A painter, sculptor & textile artist, reusing found objects as well as thrifted fabrics & trims is a part of my creating process.

As a former quilt shop owner in California in the late 1970’s & teacher of quilting I have a passion for collecting vintage fabrics, laces and ethnic textiles.  Over the years I have amassed a small collection.

As I age and with an eye toward the future and use of the collection, a large textile art piece was envisioned.  In 2021 an all volunteer group was formed to create a traveling exhibition of mostly used textiles from around the world.  In 2022 our group became a non-profit @ www.worldpeaceoneworld.com.  The Peace Project is an ongoing endeavor with a goal to first be exhibited in 2030.

Corset Reimagined Project

The “Corset Reimagined Project” was discovered through a Facebook group I belong to.  An exciting international challenge using thrifted or previously owned textiles to recreate the story of the corset was intriguing.  Creating a new image for the corset story and making connections with like minded creators from around the world provided a great opportunity to research, examine, & utilize historical information into story telling via textiles.

Initially reflecting upon the historical past of the corset brought up 3 things:  control, power & money.

Historically, control of a woman’s body shape to attract a suitable husband was paramount for social standing, not only for the woman, but for the entire family.  Gaining a secure financial & social footing was of utmost importance.

A woman’s perfect figure (based on trends of the period) in a society where women turned themselves inside out to attain status & financial stability was the norm.  I questioned, “Is it different today?”

I felt resentful.

The corset also could be used as a garment of seduction where a woman could have control & power over men outside or inside a marriage.

I wrestled with these thoughts & feelings elicited & pondered “how should the corset be reimagined?”

As a 76 year old, my perception of our world today is it is time, past time, that the “Divine Feminine” steps in to balance our world.  Human kind has fallen into disrespect of our earth & all its creatures.

“Divine Feminine” represents a calling to care for all living creatures, the earth, the sea & the sky as well as one another.

“Divine Feminine” has compassion, exhibits forgiveness, love and peace, thus working to heal the imbalance.

I am using the peaceful colors of nature, from my stash & thrifted bits to honor her mission to restore balance.

My corset “Divine Feminine”, is hand stitched with intention, prayer, compassion & love.

Abstracted fabric & bead components represent leaves, floral bits, a shell, coral, a sea anemone, the winged ones including butterfly & a honey bee (a vintage pin).

Two thrifted skirts will be worn to complete the outfit.  The green one represents the earth & the off white ruffles, femininity.

The back of the corset will deliberately remain as is, representing the past as it has been, restriction & control all laced up.

But we shall not focus on the past, we shall face the future with compassion, forgiveness, & love as we peacefully reimagine the future.