The College of Wooster Department of Art Student Independent Study

Bursting at the Seams:
An Exploration Of Feelings and Fast Fashion

My independent study addresses my concerns about the fast fashion industry by sewing new garments out of secondhand clothing. This process acted as a catalyst to work through previously avoided emotions and to explore my aversion to those emotions head on, whether past or present. My inclination to avoid the hard parts of life up to this point was clearly not an effective way of living, and I wanted to change the way I feel and think about my emotions.

For the physical element of my independent study, I created eight garments out of clothing purchased from secondhand stores that I disassembled and remade into new pieces. The question I asked myself as inspiration was how I could make unique pieces while using the most sustainable methods and materials? After spending months on this topic, I cannot say that I have a definitive answer, but I have examined small ways that I can try my best to be conscious about my purchases and maybe inspire others along the way. As I progressed through the work, I developed a deeper understanding of ways to combat fast fashion and express my emotions.

Piper Hartman ‘21

Advisor: Cassidy Ely

Installation, 2021

Lucky Reminder, canvas and denim, 2021

Emerald Middle, cotton, 2021

Blue Hope, raw silk and cotton, 2021

Unwillingly Lenient, cotton and polyester, 2021

Unwillingly Lenient (detail), Cotton and polyester, 2021