Mary Brooks Picken |

First, about this paper. This is an instruction worksheet from The Women’s Institute Of Domestic Arts & Sciences circa 1927. This institute was a fashion and design school based in Scranton Pennsylvania. Founder Mary Brooks Picken was an instructor during this time.

I have roughly 25 of these worksheets along with several original printings of the school’s instruction books from the year 1927.

According to my math that makes these worksheets 99 years old give or take a few months. I am using the instruction books as reference to drawing authentic costumes for my women of choice.

I want to get into the routine of drawing these women on Friday and/or Saturday night. Being as though I difficulty finding time to go out, I’ll just draw my dates. How’s that for a being anti-social doctor?

I have quite an affinity for old forgotten items once loved or held to a level of importance. Especially if (even for a few seconds) the item channeled a feeling, emotion, anxiousness or whatever to the previous owner. I believe it is this possible occurrence that makes this item a time machine. Holding the item allows me to imagine a day in the life of this time.
More specifically, when the item was obtained. This idea has enchanted me. So much to the point where I feel the urge to contribute to the item.
Possibly giving it a new life and thus a new identity.

So, brings us a new sub series to my current art obsession Line Travel. These two pieces are from a developing sub series called:
Women’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences 1927
In this collection is a series of very thin test answer sheets slips from The Women’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Science in Scranton Pennsylvania.
What I love the most about drawing directly on these sheets is how thin and fragile the 88 year old paper is! Never to be reproduced, created and preserved just for my quill! This is truly an honor! This collection was accompanied will a few original fashion magazine’s from the year 1927. I am using these magazines as costumed reference. The clothes these women are wearing is inspired from the actual fashion of 1927!!