The piece aims to demonstrate the accumulation of textile waste and the evolving cultural and environmental impact from the disposal mindset of fast fashion.

The layers act as social commentary on the dynamics of human nature and corporate agenda—a record keeper of our relationship with garments and the fashion industry.

A 3D mock-up was built to determine scale and color sequencing. Each article of clothing was torn or cut into strips, stacked within the wooden frame using light adhesive. Eco-friendly resin was poured onto the piece to ensure the correct position of fabric strips, reiterating the concept of permanence.

Loved and Laid to Waste is a literal representation of textile waste and its effect on the environment and communities, with direct call outs to larger events in recent history. It asks the viewer to reflect on their own consumer behavior and challenges their concept of “waste” as something repurposed/translated into fine art.

Latham’s focus on post-consumer textiles involves reimagining and reworking previously loved garments into a new existence. She favors quality over quantity and brings her perspective to her pedagogical practice by providing students opportunities to work with high-quality materials and to develop their appreciation of good craftsmanship, vis-à-vis the detrimental aspects of the fashion industry.