Reloved - Revamped - Coming to CraftACT

Reloved 3 titled 'Reloved - Revamped' will be on show at CraftACT on 30 September. 

Reloved is the brain child of Hanny Dewar of Hanny-d Creations and is our current 'Featured Artist'. We will be bringing you the other designers who will be showing their designs leading up to the show.

How long have you been creating art and how did you get started?

I’ve been creating art in one form or another for as long as I can remember. I paint, sketch, sew, knit and crochet. I designed my first outfit (for myself) when I was 16 years old, it wasn’t very good, but I slowly got better. I started making handbags about 4 years ago initially as Christmas gifts for family and friends.  Later I started selling my handbags and accessories at local various markets. In March 2009 my daughter Lee and I held our first Re-Loved event at designspace@CIT with other designers who were given a brief to produce a collection from recycled materials. Re-Loved Creations was formed. I presented my debut clothing collection at Re-Loved 2 in October 2009 at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre. I am now preparing a new collection for our next event Re-Loved: Re-Vamped, to be held once again at Craft ACT 30 September 2010. 

What is the main inspiration and influences for your work?

My inspiration comes from a nostalgic desire to get back to basics, a simpler life with fewer frills. I am dedicated to bringing awareness for the need to create fashion that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. I have always been an individual, not a blinkered follower. I don’t often like what’s “in fashion” and have never really felt the need to be a trend follower. I prefer to set my own pace and define my own style. I am influenced by people who are not afraid to be different, Vivienne Westwood is one designer who immediately comes to mind.  This is reflected in my designs, whether in clothing or in accessories. I like being a little left of centre and even a little quirky.

When and how did you realise, this what you wanted to do with your life?

For a long time I fought the idea of selling to the general public, I didn’t feel my bags were good enough. My first creations were quite rustic and a little amateurish but through practice and perseverance my techniques improved immensely. I was encouraged by family and friends to keep going and in 2009 I decided to put more time into my hobby. Now I create bags in all sorts of media. Leather, fabric, plastic, vinyl, the lot. Designing my clothing has been a deliberately slow process. I’m looking forward to doing more with it.

What other areas of life have shaped your work as an artist? 
Some years ago I had to leave full-time employment due to illness. I wanted to find some form of stress relief that was not only enjoyable but affordable. As I was no longer working, most art and crafts I tried, while very enjoyable, were simply too expensive for me to continue. 

How would you describe the art & design scene in Canberra?  
Canberra has a great deal of talent just bursting to break free. It’s wonderful to see new and upcoming designers present their debut collections. The CIT Fashion program has produced some amazing newcomers. I’m not so familiar with local artists but what I have seen so far has been impressive.

What have you learnt most about establishing yourself as an artist? 
I have learned I have many hidden talents just waiting to be recognised…by myself first and foremost. Yes it’s true that art is about self expression, but it is also about self-discovery and self-acceptance. 

Where would you like to take your art in the future? 
My dearest wish is to promote the concept of sustainable fashion to a broad audience, taking the recycling message global, and showing people what you can achieve with a little imagination, perseverance and determination. I want to change people’s attitudes towards the use of reclaimed and recycled materials. 

What advice do you have for other artists hoping to follow in your footsteps? 
Be passionate about what you do, it’s contagious. If you lare passionate and love what you make, other people will become passionate about it too. Never give up, always remember what made you start in the first place.