Allison Bonin '16
While our department is growing steadily, I am enjoying its intimacy and pioneering spirit.
Describe a body of work that you are currently working on.
My current body of work is inspired by a pair of vintage Jell-O molds that were gifted to me over the summer. Like the Jell-O mold, I want these dresses and coats to be highly versatile. The refined designs can be replicated through many different types of fabrics, just like how the Jell-O mold can be filled with different fruits, flavors, and textures.
What’s your background? How has your education at MECA&D shaped you as an artist?
Sewing has always been a passion of mine, I starting making clothes for myself in high school; I wasn’t trained in the proper technical skills and I had no understanding of how expansive the fashion/textile design field was beyond simply making clothes for the runway, or owning my own business.
I entered MECA&D hoping to be an illustration major, and while drawing is still integral to my studio practice, I realize now that what I was designing were theatrical garments and costumes. The Textile and Fashion Design Program started the year I began as a freshman. I took the intro class on a whim and fell in love. Anne and the rest of the department welcomed me with open arms, and I found myself at home in the T&FD department. While our department is growing steadily, I am enjoying its intimacy and pioneering spirit; I have the freedom to explore and the benefit of a tight-knit community of majors who really support and care for each other. This past spring semester, I had an internship with the Portland Ballet, and dove into the world of costume and set design. I feel like I have truly found my life’s calling. I am focusing a lot of my energy on my major’s work to prepare for the thesis semester, as well as freelancing around town with costume designer Pamela Moulton.
My education at MECA&D has made me feel very confident in my ability to spread my wings and expand my practice when I graduate!
What inspires you?
I am heavily inspired by the costume designs of Leon Bakst of the Ballet Russe; I am not exclusive as to what inspires me. A dog I saw in the park, a bike ride, a new recipe, or a weird science fiction book I found on the side of the road; I am totally open and receptive to my environment and inspirations— it can happen anytime!
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I wish to pursue a career in costume design, focusing on working with performers from the circus, ballet, or the theatre.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received and would offer to a fellow artist is to make your practice your all-consuming passion; you have to be completely devoted and invested in what you want to do.