“The Mutant Queen”
Concept | Last semester I felt a deep betrayal. During that time, I found a spider-wasp in my apartment. Which seemed to me futuristic and unnatural. This mutated insect made me think of another time I experienced a sci-fi reality mixed with dishonesty. Earlier in my childhood I went to a dyslexia aide program called DOOR. I went through a series of tests to train the cerebellum part of the brain. I trained there for two years and have a lot of visually rich material to work from based on the tests. Checkers and red dots are the most prominent patterns. Later this program was shut down for not having sufficient research in the field. By both of these experiences I feel as if I was lied to. They also both have a fun laboratory element to them. The “experiments” vs. the mutation creating a spider wasp. I want this garment to be a piece of empowerment. I will take elements from bug mutation and brain control to create a mutant queen who has taken her nightmares and turned them into a way to be stronger and fiercer. These experiences are obviously quite personal but I hope that the feeling of owning one’s hardships can be a common interest that others can relate to. The greater concept outside of my memories is self-love and conquering our demons.
Bio | Katie Craymer is an artist who utilizes costume to create alter-ego creatures. She performs in the garments she makes in order to explore the fluidity of identity. The alter-egos are a driving force of strength and growth as she continues to mature and develop her values.