Liz Lester
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Movement of water
I have always had a strong connection to water and the ocean. I learnt to swim at the age of 3 and ever since have been in swimming squads and competed at state level. The biggest passion in my life right now and has been for the past 7 years is rowing on still water. Up and moving in the early hours of the morning, I experience the sun rise over the glass like water. Now I am a learn to swim teacher and I am passing down the skills I have to the younger generation. When I swim in water there is a sense of freedom. I like the idea of dominating a large powerful body of water as I float on top of it, slice through it, pull and push it. Water is something very strong and physical as it moves and changes. I love just floating on top of it and it’s even more exciting when you move under the surface of the water. That is when you enter the unknown. You are no longer affected by the strong force of gravity pulling you closer to the earth. You feel a sudden weight off your shoulders. There is a new force pushing you up, as if you’re about to fly. It is this strong connection to water that inspired me to make a garment that explored the notions of this important liquid. I cannot help recognize that the internal structure of the human body is filled with liquids that carry out specific functions. Our body is constantly processing and transferring fluids around the body. The kidney filters urine, the capillaries transfer blood. But the main fluid that dominates our body is water. The average human being is made up of 60% water. I think this may be another reason why I am so drawn to water and why I made a fashion garment that explores the movement of fluids.