Words to Grieve: Conversations About Loss, Through Textiles
Saturday 11 November
2 - 4 pm
Bloc Projects Meanwhile Space
@ 16 Matilda Street, Sheffield, S1 4QD
Free workshop, limited to 8
Would you like to take part in an open and honest conversation about grief? Would you like to speak with others who’ve experienced bereavement and find common threads?
After experiencing a significant loss, we (Chris Alton & Emily Simpson) both noticed a lack of space for conversations about grief. We are interested in how language can provide shelter and support, or leave you feeling exposed. We are sharing our experiences through collaborative art making; our aim is to find communality with others and create spaces where those living with loss can feel less alone.*
We invite people who’ve experienced loss to join us for an afternoon of conversation and sewing. We will guide you through the process of making a ‘wearable patch’; inspired by historical customs for grieving. No knowledge or experience of working with textiles is required. We will share basic sewing skills and provide all materials. However, if anyone wishes to bring their own materials this is welcomed.
Places are limited to 8 participants so please only book if you are certain you can attend. Likewise, please get in touch if you can no longer come, so we can offer your place to someone else. Refreshments will be provided.
Access:
A mental health professional will be present for the session.
There is some funding availble for participants to cover transport, childcare costs, or similar. Get in touch at info@blocprojects.co.uk ahead of time if this is necessary (no questions asked).
This event is for ages 18+ but parents and carers are welcome to bring those they look after if this makes attending possible.
The space is accessed via one flight of stairs.
Please contact us if you have any other access requirements.
* Please note: Conversations will focus on our experiences of grief and living with loss, rather than the particulars of the person we lost dying. This is to steer conversations away from subjects which may be triggering to others. Please be mindful of this when entering the space. An audio recording of the workshop will be made only for the artists' reference.
Documentation images credit: Chris Alton.
Emily Simpson is an artist and curator from Manchester. Their work looks at love, lols and loss; explored through textiles, writing, zines, events, print-making and curation. Emily is currently producing a book about trying to 'live their best life' whilst living with loss.
Chris Alton is an artist, based in Manchester. His practice spans a range of media and approaches, including; socially engaged projects, video essays, textile banners, and publications. Each of his projects addresses an array of interconnected social, political, economic and environmental concerns.