“So often, I wish I could ask the subject of a painting to stand up, turn around, show off all the details of their gown that stay hidden. Inspired by a dress at the Victoria & Albert museum, the period-typical open robe style features Watteau pleats in the back, reminiscent of earlier decades. They add volume and movement, changing the way the simple cotton drapes; something unknown until you put the garment on. This portrait encapsulates costuming for me — I am the woman in the painting, but I can also tell you how my dress works.”