‘Steps ‘ silk crepe de chine long Indian shirt dress Carole Waller
‘Steps ‘ silk crepe de chine long Indian shirt dress by Carole Waller is painted in black with golds and pinks – and a bright lime section on the back. It is a style known as the ‘Indian’ shirt dress because of its stand up Nehru like collar – and this piece has painted buttons all down the front. Silk crepe de chine is a lovely fluid cloth with a fantastic soft drape and a very slight sheen, it’s a classic shirt and dress fabric.
The ‘Steps’ in the title are a simple flight of metal steps on the side of a medieval house in Tuscany with sunlight pouring through the gaps between the treads.
The collection is directly inspired by an Italian hilltop town called Barga near the Italian walled city of Lucca. I spent a month there in the summer of 2024 as Artist in residence at Quattro Archi Studios and Gallery – and look forward to an exhibition in 2025 – in the stunning gallery built in a disused cantina underneath the printmaking studios, which in turn is two minutes under the fantastic 9th century Romanesque Cathedral of San Christoforo, which crowns the hill, and the town.
Barga is full of light and shadow, tall buildings with narrow alleys, darkness and light both soft and at times stark.
Colour is everywhere and constantly changing as the sun moves around and briefly illuminates surfaces before dropping away to other surfaces. The texture of stone, terracotta and paint against a backdrop of blue sky and endless astonishing mountain vistas is a heady mix!
The collection is an exploration of that drama in light and dark, separated by edges of buildings or softly moving shadows. I have tried to capture the drama and the power of the place – so my colourways are either dramatic and earthy or stark and full of contrast.
‘Steps ‘ silk crepe de chine long Indian shirt dress Carole Waller
Handwash or dry clean.
Measurements:
Backlength 110cm/43”
Bust 112cm/44”
Shoulder to shoulder 48cm/19’
Sleeve 34cm/13’5”
Carole Waller art to wear:
Each painted garment and scarf by Carole Waller is unique wearable art – art to wear. My technique is to handpaint each piece at the studio – which is just outside Bath. My fabrics are unprimed ‘canvases’ and the paintings evolve as I work, and consequently no two pieces are the same.
I also make bespoke commissions and would be delighted to work with you to create the style you prefer, in the colours and cloth of your choice. Despite the fact that I cannot colour match, I can promise you a unique artwork. Visitors are welcome anytime, by appointment.
Waller&Wood.
Waller and Wood is our gallery name from the time we had a retail gallery in Bath between 2015 and 2020. My studio and small showroom is now at our home 4 miles east of Bath on the A4, with good parking and coffee.
Main Photo: Egle Vasi
The code for this specific piece is AW24/6
