Local and internationally recognised fibre artist Julie Thornton’s work will be showcased in a wearable art retrospective at a Soiree promoted by the Rockhampton Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) on May 28.

Julie will be exhibiting a range of 35 items including a dress that sits at seven foot tall and has a 22-metre train. 28 garments will be worn by the models and the rest will displayed on mannequins to make viewing easier.

Having come from a long line of tailoresses and seamstresses, it was inevitable Julie would follow in their footsteps.

After over 35 years of making textiles and then fashioning them into clothes, Julie said her passion for anything tactile is still alive and well.

“I played with many other creative pursuits such as patchwork and painting over the years but working with fibre is what I enjoy most,” Julie said.

“I was inspired to take my work further after attending flying art workshops in Rockhampton with a couple of amazing textile tutors.

“These days, I make most of the materiel myself then create an outfit.

“I have made wearable art of many different things; I once pulled a leather jacket apart and turned it into a dress, I have made a dress out of an old tyre, there really is no limit to what can be done.”

Julies said her work is not for sale, but she has gifted so many things she cannot begin to imagine how many items she has produced.

“I am on my third Bernina sewing machine and still have my original one I purchased in 1969,” she said.

“I don’t use an overlocker very often; I do however love my embellisher (felting machine).

“It is really nice that ADFAS is showcasing the work of local artists.

“We have an amazing array of truly creative people right across Central Queensland and it is wonderful to see their work.

“The exhibition has been a lot of work coordinating but it is all worth it to have the opportunity to show my work right here in our own region.”

ADFAS Rockhampton is proud to be one of 38 ADFAS societies across Australia.

Monthly, they present recognised experts from overseas, interstate and local artists who are passionate in their fields of interest from a variety of professional backgrounds.

This Retrospective, while showcasing a spectacular parade of fashion, will be focussing on the extraordinarily made fabrics Julie designs along with the inspiration that sets her on the path to completing the garments being shown at this event.

Each garment takes on a life of its own in its construction and a name of its own, with its own background story.

Showcasing internationally awarded garments at events throughout Australia as well as London and New York and magazine articles including a front cover of a prestigious New York magazine, this is a must-see event which will include garments never displayed before.

Enjoy a welcome glass of bubbly and light supper. A bar will operate.

ADFAS Rockhampton friendly monthly lectures are open to the public to enjoy.

Event – Wearable art retrospective

When – May 28 from 4.30pm

Where – McKeague Hall, RGGS Agnes Street Rockhampton

Tickets – $30 ADFAS members, $35 non-members

Bookings – Glenda Wilson 0437 180 662 or Peter Wilson 0400 958 108 or email grwilson4700@gmail.com