Student: Barbara Tofte Bradley
Course: DS501 Body Architecture
Program: Grad, Year 1
Athena is body architecture designed to transform one’s silhouette. / Its primary materials, transparent plastic tubing and wrapped wire, were combined in a skin-and-bones technique required for the project. The flexible tubing needed to work symbiotically with the fibrous, stiff wire. The methodology was one of persistence and patience; wrapping both ends of each wire before threading. As the extensions arched into tree-like branches, I added my father’s pheasant feathers and then strips of dyed organza connecting the sculpture to earth. / Its inspiration was drawn from 17th century Elizabethan ruffs and Greek mythology. Athena was the warrior goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic diplomacy; patroness to crafts and architecture. / The armature communicates artistry, grace, protection, inner strength and transcendence – qualities my father encouraged.
