Chloe Townsend (TAS)

Flame - the film

Chloe is an emerging artist currently studying Certificate III in Applied Fashion and Design technology at TAFE. At fifteen she made her first wearable piece for a competition - the Burnie Community Paper Clothing Competition. From a very young age Chloe has demonstrated her love of making. She finds the tactile nature of sculpting, painting and stitching is the most enjoyable part of the creative process. 

The idea for the Flame wearable art piece came about after reflecting on the ancient and powerful force of fire. The flames, although destructive, have a beauty and energy that envelops all it touches. It has power to destroy and yet there is life that regenerates from the ashes.  

The piece has flames of yellow, orange and red tissue paper with hand painted watercolour strokes and black detail to add depth. There are several, solid, flaming, rings that surround the model. The flames create an asymmetrical silhouette. The headpiece is a burning crown that gives the impression of a goddess, a mythical personification of fire. 

There is the impression that she is in control of this powerful force and it is creating a force field of flames around her. The fire is a demonstration of power, her inner spirit and passion, this makes her untouchable and strong. Fire is a force of nature, but when used wisely can bring about growth.