Chrysalis
n. pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (krĭ-sāl'ĭ-dēz')
- A pupa, especially of a moth or butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.
- A protected stage of development.
[Latin chrȳsallis, from Greek khrūsallis, khrūsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a butterfly, from khrūsos, gold; see chryso-.]
Every artist holds dear the Creative Process whereby Something comes into being from, essentially, Nothing; The Great Void! And, to every artist, whether sculpting in stone or clay, creating in fabric or upon canvas, with music or words, there is a Process by which she develops her Creation; her Art; her Magnum Opus.
Process is the mode of operation toward a goal, whether or not one actually KNOWS what that goal is in the beginning. Truly, most of us just have this itchy compulsion to create, and from that compulsion evolves Something: The Beholder judges whether it be Art or not.
Modus operandi
So much of what I create launches in someone else’s imagination; someone else’s wanting or need; someone else’s obsession. And, that’s fine. My job is to define, refine & to create from – in far more cases than not – Chaos Pure & Simple. And, that’s fine, too. According to Chaos Theory…there’s Order, even there. 
From the moment a budding patron contacts the studio, my pen is in hand and the process begins in earnest. It matters not what I squiggle on…Faltering notions from someone else’s Dreamscape begin their tracings into this World of Formation, unleashed am I & that Pilot Fine Point pen!
Client & I converse; before anyone knows what’s transpiring, deepest, sometimes, Darkest Dreams & Images are divulged onto paper. Whatever I sketch becomes a seminal element of their Client File - that dearly safeguarded Key to the Puzzle.
I’m usually shown pictures from books, video clips, magazines, or photos taken at Renaissance Fairs, Fantasy Fests or Ballroom Competitions. They may tote along some antique frock or dusty photograph of Great Grandmama & The Prince. I sketch & toss, sketch & toss, sketch & toss until…that Stunned Glimmer of Recognition flashes in their eyes!
Subsequent stages of Creation begin: Fabrics & trims, notions & doo-dads are selected, sought and procured. Appropriate, workable, COMFORTABLE sizing requirements discerned, then patterns blocked and muslins built and fitted.
Our actual First Fitting of The Muslin - a wearable pattern from which I work directly - is where your “Garment-Under-Construction” all begins to come together. Any changes or wild Over-Flights of Fancy will hopefully take place here. Once your muslin pattern is Truly Fitting - per any number of this term's definitions - our Course is already half-way run!
Ever heard of a Body Double?
No, no…not somebody else’s bum playing yours on the silver screen!
A Body Double, in this case, is Your Clone created by one of several different means, and fit on one of my dress forms. It’s intended to take your place so you can get on with life, here - or on the other side of the Globe! I’ve built garments for dancers for over 30 years - some of the MOST fussy, finicky, particular clientele possible when it comes to fit! A dance garment has absolutely GOT to fit! It’s a matter of Comfort & Ease of Movement, after all. At least half of those dancers have been in other states - even on the other side of the Globe!! That's when a Body Double is indispensible.
My process usually requires between several weeks and several months, depending upon complexity of garment(s) in question, procurment of desired fabrics and any changes or additions decided upon amidst construction. I have been known (under some duress) to whip up a gown or ensemble in a week or two, but this has usually entailed more fitting leeway & the cost of my necessarily setting other work aside - ie: The Rush Charge. And, what if the client decides to go on some crazy DIET or (G-d Forbid) BINGE? Let's NOT even go there! Not encouraged.
Yet, from The Chrysalis does emerge The Extraordinary Butterfly. Her birthing is often arduous; initial Flux & Flight, less than Fluid & Lyric. However, Emerge & Flutter, she does, captivating every eye...changing The Course of Rivers & Stars!
