Artists in residence program to ‘strip’ Toowoomba down

A local lingerei seamstress is preparing to reveal all in exciting residency program later this year.

LAID BARE: Toowoomba artist and seastress, Lorraine White, is preparing to make Toowoomba bare all later this year when she showcases her historic lingerie and burlesqe corsetry later this year as part of the Toowoomba Arts Footprint artists in residence program. Picture: Nev Madsen

One talented Toowoomba artist and seamstress is preparing to ‘strip’ Toowoomba down later this year when she showcases her phenomenal collection of historic lingerie, undergarments and corsets as part of the Toowoomba Arts Footprint artists in residence program.

Toowoomba’s Lorraine White will be one of three Queensland artists taking the Toowoomba community on a journey of creation, connection and discovery in a few months time when she showcases her works and holds sewing workshops.

Ms White creates beautifully tailored corsetry with an emphasis on quality of fabrics, cut and embellishments while paying homage to classic glamour and remaining true to traditional construction processes.

“I was in disbelief when they contacted me to say I was one of the three artists chosen,” Ms White said.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to be part of for a few years now so it will be wonderful to share my craft and creations with the public and teach others a little about what I know.

“Visitors will even be able to try on some of my undergarment creations.”

Ms White said she had been sewing and making her own clothes since she was just eight and fell in love with the art behind burlesque fashion several years ago and has been creating custom corsetry, vintage lingerie and accessories ever since.

“I just love the intricate and fascinating history behind the fashion of this era and I’m looking forward to sharing this with others as part of my residence program,” she said.

“There’s so much more to burlesque and fashion and sewing than people realise, it really is an incredible for of art.”

Ms White’s project will take place in an interactive open studio at Cobb and Co Museum, where she will work on a series of thirteen garments celebrating the evolution of women’s undergarments from the 1890s through to 2000.

Toowoomba artist and seamstress, Lorraine White, will be one of three artists taking part in this year’s Toowoomba Arts Footprint artists in residence program. Picture: Nev Madsen

The Toowoomba Arts Footprint Artists in Residence program has been fully funded by Arts Queensland, with project management and administration funding support provided through South West Queensland Regional Arts.

The Friends of Cobb and Co Museum Committee, a group of key Toowoomba community members which supports the museum, developed the concept and submitted

the funding application.

Chair of the Friends of Cobb and Co Museum Committee chair, Dennis Campbell, said the selected artists were of an outstanding quality.

“We had 30 great applications in response to our expression of interest call out in late 2020,” Dr Campbell said.

“The shortlist interviews were very enjoyable to be part of, with some outstanding project ideas being presented, and we are excited to see the creative outcomes and new artistic connections which will take place throughout the evolution of the three projects.”

The three host venues for the residencies are Cobb and Co Museum, the legendary Empire Theatre and Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

Each venue will host various events, workshops and displays across the project duration.

Joining Ms White will be Airlie Beach-based basket weaver Felicity Chapman and Hervey Bay visual artist Cara-Ann Simpson who hails from Goombungee.

Ms Chapman is a proud Wiradjuri woman living on Ngaro country, committed to learning, honouring and preserving the ancient Aboriginal culture by sharing her gifts for innovative thinking and connecting people through the arts of storytelling and traditional Aboriginal weaving.

Cara-Ann Simpson’s project focuses on exploring sensory perception and how people engage with their environment.

Each of these exciting month-long projects will enliven the Toowoomba arts scene in different ways, with an emphasis on providing interactive opportunities for the community.

Dates for residencies will be announced later this month and the Toowoomba Arts Footprint team invites prospective visitors to connect with their Facebook page to stay updated.