Call-4-Help

Call-4-Help is a sculptural work created from scrap and natural materials using no new plastic which is another step towards my pursuit of making non-toxic compostable work, for both degrowth and access reasons.

Adopting techniques from the ancient craft and water ritual of welldressing, unique to the Peak District where I grew up, this sculptural work honours the endless well of knowledge and care shared between marginalised people facing barriers to accessing the health/care they need. It is conjured from my own romanticisation of isolation in sickness as a form of self reflective crip folklore as well as the painfully infinite well of the devine feminine and m/othering. It was created alongside research into water wellness rituals and visits to sacred water with my child. The colours are drawn from memories of an odd little park with an iron rich spring I'd rest in on my way home from school.

Welldressing is a beautiful annual community folklore activity honouring water with a history entangled with the plague. It takes place in several villages across the Peak District and there are still a few left you can see this year if you check the calendar. Welldressings made such a huge impression on me as a kid and even in some instances intimidated me with their intensity and aura. I am grateful to the Rowsley Welldressing volunteers for allowing me to join them as part of my DYCP a couple years ago and learn techniques and material knowledge passed down through generations. More welldressing sculptures to come.. 

Exhibited at Humber Street Gallery's Fruitmarket Guild member's exhibition, How Nice to Go to a Friend on a Visit

This well will feature on my new website as an interactive wishing well.