radical gifting

May – July 2024

“Radical Gifting is a collaboration between People United, artists, people experiencing social isolation and the organisations and individuals who support them. Weaving a web of care through intimate creative sessions, making, giving and receiving, Radical Gifting fosters wellbeing and generates meaningful connections by reconnecting people to coastal ecosystems in East Kent and beyond.” – People United

I designed and facilitated a bespoke 1-2-1 coastal inspired, sensory session for an individual experiencing social isolation. In a small room, I created a cosy grotto-like environment with various sensory materials, examples of my soft sculptures, seaweed, pebbles and a mindful breathing exercise to settle into the space using recorded sounds of the waves in Folkestone. We then shared our connection to the coast (stories, love of swimming, beach curiosities etc) and collaborated on ideas for objects/gifts that could bring the feeling of the coast to those who can’t access it…

I then designed objects that can be easily explored and accessed in a home or group setting: a swatch of different tactile materials in coastal colours from 2nd hand and found materials, that can be used to create the feeling of being underwater into by shining a torch through the layers, playing with the projection, casting light patterns and shadows across surfaces of a space as well as making sounds of the waves, inviting sensory play. To enhance the feeling of being in the sea, I also included a large shiny foil blanket (that my participant-collaborator loved) that when opened up creates the sound of waves, mirrors the reflective surface of water and invites flowing movement like the current. Combining the objects together, playing with the many sensory qualities, is hoped to give a dose of the coast. I also shared the soothing sound recording of waves whilst walking along Folkestone beach.

These objects were replicated 25 times, with poetic invitations on how to engage with them, and placed along with the other 2 artists’ creations into 25 wellbeing boxes that were distributed to socially isolated individuals across East Kent via People United’s charity partners; the Kent Community Wardens Service (Positive Wellbeing Service), Porchlight, Canterbury Umbrella Centre, sheltered housing venues, and Age UK Swale.

Thanks to my inspiring collaborator Janey and People United, especially Mandy Quy-Verlander and Clare Callan, for selecting me to take part in this wonderful project.