Introducing Woven Sculptures

A JOURNEY FROM FASHION TO ART

Grace Lillian Lee, a distinguished fashion designer, proudly graduated in 2010 with honours in Fashion and Design, from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Little did she know over a decade ago that her meticulously woven works would transcend fashion and become celebrated as fine art creations.

Initially drawn to exploring adornment of the body and creating pieces that seamlessly emulate the human form, Grace's creations organically developed into art, capturing public interest and being sought after across the globe.

Guided by her mentor, Uncle Dr Ken Thaiday Senior, a cultural guiding force. Grace delved deeper into creating works on the body, embracing traditional techniques gifted to her from Uncle Ken Thaiday. During this process of learning weaving techniques and cultural practices, Grace discovered a profound sense of belonging through this form of expression—a unique language through which she communicates and shares her journey.

From wearable art body items to large-scale sculptural collector pieces, Grace’s works are a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Torres Strait Islander ‘grasshopper’ weave. Created by hand, start to finish, by Grace, artworks utilise weaving, hand-wrapped cane, colourful feathers and millennia of cultural richness.  

For Grace, the evolution of Indigenous Design is not just a creative endeavour; it is a means to provide opportunities and a platform for expressing her rich lineage. Guided by cultural craftsmanship, Grace has boldly forged new contemporary techniques, giving birth to the captivating world of Woven Sculptures and expression—a testament to her artistic journey and the continual evolution of Australian First Nations design.