Home is where the art is for Wellington WOW designer

The World of WearableArt (WOW) Show is back, bringing with it a spectacular fusion of art, design, music, and performance. Every year, this one-of-a-kind event draws visitors from around the globe to Wellington. 

Katherine Bertram is a Wellington artist and three-time WOW finalist. Having the annual event held in her home city makes it extra special. “It’s a wonderful inspiration and an awesome opportunity for me as a wearable artist and designer.” 

Katherine has called New Zealand home for over 22 years. Originally from Australia, she lived in Auckland, Wellington and Napier. She eventually returned to Wellington — a city where she felt an immediate sense of belonging. 

“Wellington has so much to offer. It’s small, but packs in so many things —universities, great schools, an incredible harbour, and beaches that rival Sydney’s right on your doorstep. And for me, a thriving art community that’s both supportive and inclusive,” Katherine shares. 

Katherine’s 2023 WOW entry, ‘Wellington ‘The Skin I Am In’, earned her second place in the Aotearoa Section of the competition. The piece is a tribute to the city she now calls home and explores the idea of finding a place where you truly belong. 

Crafted from freehand machine embroidery on tulle, the three-dimensional sculpture wraps around the model’s body, showing iconic Wellington scenes. “‘Wellington ‘The Skin I Am In’ is an artwork that captures what it feels like to finally be at home in this city. It’s reminiscent of the sights you see while walking or driving along those winding hill roads. Partial buildings, the front faces of houses, half a set of stairs, or a roof,” says Katherine. 

The headpiece, featuring a church nestled among houses and pohutukawa trees above Oriental Parade, is a nod to an iconic Wellington landmark. 

Katherine’s love for Wellington is evident not only in her work but also in how she speaks about the city. Beyond its attractions, it’s the opportunity to connect with a positive and generous creative community that has been the most exciting part of her settling in Wellington. 

“When I came to Wellington, a friend introduced me to a group of women artists who have been meeting regularly for many years. They share their ideas for WOW, their creations, and their own artistic practices,” Katherine explains. “This incredibly generous group has allowed me to develop my creative ideas in a safe space where we can brainstorm and share our collective passion.” 

With WOW 2024 fast approaching (26 September to 13 October at TSB Arena), Katherine will soon get to see her latest masterpiece making its way around the stage. Inspired by the show’s theme, DREAM AWAKE, Katherine says her garment is completely different from her previous designs. “I love experimenting and learning, even if it means making a lot of mistakes and a huge mess.” 

While she can’t reveal too much about this year’s artwork, she did offer a glimpse into her process. “I’ve had to learn new skills. It incorporates foam thermoplastics, fabric, paint, and gold thread. There’s some fiddly engineering, tricky painting, and many hours of work packed into it. It’s raw, truthful, and painful, yet also a symbol of strength, transformation, and beauty. All will be revealed.”