A Project Description
This project, An Exploration of Anatomy Through Fashion, will yield a cohesive, 5-piece clothing collection. Each piece is abstractly or specifically representative of a layer of the body. More specifically, I will organize the pieces the way Andreas Vesalius composed his book (figure below), which was by peeling back the layers of the human body. For example, the exhibit will progress from the outermost to innermost layer of the body. The first piece will represent the skin, then the muscular system, then the nervous system, then the major organ systems, and finally the skeletal system.
A PROJECT PITCHThe question I hope to answer during my Fellow’s project is: “How might one prompt interest/intrigue/knowledge of the general public in the wonders of anatomy and medicine by utilizing creative, exciting, and engaging medium(s)?” and, by extension, provide a real-world application to integrate the components of “STEAM” and specifically “Art”. My motivation to answer this question comes from a passion for science, and seeing people shy away from biology and medicine because they seem too intimidating. I have to wonder if such topics were broken down in a way that is more relatable and accessible, would more people be excited about science and medicine. The Van Eney ’09 Fellows Program is the perfect opportunity to make this link. What I plan to accomplish with this project and the support of the Van Eney ‘09 Fellows Program, is to revitalize and strengthen the personal motivation to learn about the human body through art and fashion. This fellows project would combine two of my greatest passions: fashion and anatomy. What I plan to create is a cohesive collection of five pieces of clothing, each abstractly or specifically representative of a layer of the body. More specifically, I would organize the pieces the way Andreas Vesalius composed his book (figure below), which was by peeling back the layers of the human body. For example, the exhibit would progress from the outermost to innermost layer of the body. The first piece would represent the skin, then the muscular system, then the nervous system, then the major organ systems, and finally the skeletal system. Throughout the program, I will document my progress via Weebly by posting works in progress, meetings with mentors, and comprehensible facts about the layers I am working on.
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A little bit about me Attending Drexel University Sustainable Fashion Show;
Urban Outfitters Headquarters Philadelphia
Thank you for checking out my page; I am so excited to have you here! If I have not met you yet, my name is Grace Knipe. I am a senior at Severn School and a member of the Van Eney '09 Fellows Program. My passion for medicine came alive in 7th grade and ever since, I have been taking proactive steps to prepare myself for a successful career as a doctor. Such "steps" generally look like advanced courses outside of school, spending my time at the University of Pennsylvania in their Neuroscience Lab, or seeking internships with world-renowned surgeons. Don't get me wrong, I love lab work and hands-on research, but I consider myself extremely lucky to have the opportunity, via the Van Eney '09 Fellows Program, to combine medicine with another great passion of mine: fashion.
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My Designs
Check out time lapse drawings of my designs under the "For the Visual Cortex" page and pictures of them below! These are a major component of my project and will accompany the final show at the end of the year. The purpose of these sketches was not only to get my ideas onto "paper" rather to present my research on each of the systems and to inform my audience about what they are viewing. Below is a time lapse video of me creating and annotating the skeletal system dress. During this process, I used various images from scientific resources to supplement my prior knowledge. As with most scientific studies, the depth of possible research is infinite. I hope that my drawings are easily digestible and provide clarity about the extremely complex systems being represented through fashion.
MY INSPIRATION
In this slideshow (below) are a few of the many things that inspired this project. One could say it has been in the works since freshman year because the slide depicting Andreas Vesalius is from a Mr. Sitzmann History Project. This project is truly a culmination of many experiences of mine: being thrown into the world of high fashion, a genuine love of science, and untamable curiosity. The red hat is from Valentino's FW (Fall/Winter) 2021 show and the inspiration for the headpiece in the Nervous System piece. Within the slideshow above, pictures date from the beginnings of human anatomy, to this past December when I attended Artechouse's Exhibit on the human brain. In addition to Valentino, you will find images from Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2019 Bridal Collection (inspiring the Skeletal System piece) and Gigi Hadid's 2022 Met Gala Look designed by Versace (inspiring the Integumentary/Skin System piece). This slideshow will be updated intermittently with new ideas that catch my eye.
