Hey Folks!
As promised, I have found the photo of the lovely customer who purchased my Neo Tribal Loincloth a couple years ago during my first season of markets! The pattern, as discussed in my original post, is completely designed from scratch by myself (©TheNeonOdditorium) , and came complete with a little button closure satchel to complete the piece, on top of being highly adjustable to fit a multitude of sizes. I have always had a huge love of body modifications and tribal adornment for those who don’t know me; and it has heavily influenced my own personal tendencies as a designer over the years. I don’t recall an exact point of inspiration, but simply the desire to create something representing a combination of tribal garb and modern materials, thus the name Neo-Tribal. Anyways, what I do remember, and wanted to touch on today, is the skepticism I felt it faced at first when I showed the completed garment to some family and friends. Questions of who the target audience was, did it have any practical applications outside of festivals, etc. I was so worried it may hang out forever and never find a home. Then after a few markets along came David, and it sold before some of the other items I would have guessed would move faster! I was so elated and relieved, and so grateful they let me grab a quick photo to commemorate the sale!✨ Moral of the story: creating is all about channeling your truth, your vision, and there will always be doubters, or just those who simply don’t speak your souls language. I think as artists we can all be our own worst critics and let those little voices get to us; struggling against some imposter complex or worried our visions will remained trapped in us till the end of days, lacking validation. Art, is the art of processing all we have internalized and experienced in our life. Vulnerability is beautiful. With every garment I make I heal a little bit more, and hope it in turn it will bring joy or whimsy to someones day. To help heal and protect others against the sometimes harsh, sometimes breathtaking, world we live in. In conclusion, I wanted to say big thank you to all my supporting customers over the years who saw my vision and liked it enough to support it. Thank you so, sew much! You all have been my lanterns in the darkness. To anyone reading- Let your light shine, believe in yourself, and put intention into your craftsmanship. Wear the clothes that make you happy, dance like no ones watching, make your art, and be kind, if nothing else. I continue to have faith that the rest will fall into place for us, if we stay the course with humility and grace.
<3 Always,
Neon
