Butterflies

The jacket featured in this photo was made as a tribute to the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. I wore it to a student event at the Metropolitan Museum in New York dedicated to his exhibit "Savage Beauty." In total the jacket took a week to plan, 20 hours to make and about $40 for all the materials. It was inspired by several pieces from his Spring 07 and Spring 08 collections.

As I was sewing, I reflected on my decision to become a doctor and how my life will change because of it. I guess I've always known that my intellectual side would determine my future, as my creative side has never been dependable. I've never been one of those who can find inspiration on demand. In a lot of ways I therefore thought of this project as the swan song of my creative side because starting this fall I will be preoccupied with the rigors of becoming a doctor. I know it sounds stupid but I was actually quite sad and anxious that I had already made decisions that will change my life forever. I wasn't exactly regretting my decision to become a doctor, but for about a week I wasn't entirely happy about it either.

After sharing this with friends they told me that I was being silly. Doctors have lives, too, and hobbies to boot. Intellectually I know they are right, but after working in a hospital for two years I've come to see that being a doctor certainly doesn't leave much in the way of leisure time. Vacations and even sick days come at the expense of inconveniencing colleagues and cancelling on patients. When is the next time I will be able to spend 20 hours on an artistic project simply because I want to? That thought made me a little sad, but I suppose it's just another part of growing up. Choices lead to sacrifices because you simply cannot do it all.

Jacket made from silk organza and feather butterflies.

Enjoy and please comment!