Through working with clay, teaching ceramics, and collaging with friends, I have seen the benefits of crafting and working with our hands.
In 2024 during my artist residency I created a collective ritual for grief using craft to bring people together and create space to share. The ritual took shape through ceramics workshops, culminating in a beachfront smoke firing. We made individual and collective pots and sculptures. The results can be seen here.
In 2026 I am making space within my studio and online to host rituals for grief, shaped by the process of making art again.
The first in a series of grief gatherings occuring around during a waning moon.
These will follow the course of several books about grief throughout the year, moving at a slow pace. The first book is the wild edge of sorrow by Francis Weller. In this book Francis Weller talks about five gates of grief. Each month will be structured around one of these gates. In January we begin with the first gate. The first gate recognizes that everything we love, we will lose. Here, we meet the pain of losing a loved one; the grief of illness; and the tender invitation to touch the depths of our losses and loves. You do not need to have read the book but you will receive some optional supportive reading (and listening) via email beforehand.
Harriet will open their artist studio to a small gathering starting with an opening circle and bowls of (vegan) soup. They will share reflections on the first gate of grief, while guiding the creation of a collective sculpture, handbuilding with clay and burnishing. The focus for this 3 hour gathering is less on creating something to keep, but on the act of creation itself.
Upon arrival you will be invited to add something to a temporary grief altar if you wish so we can honour a loss you would like to acknowledge.
There is a recommended donation of 25 euros to cover running costs. If this is too expensive then please get in touch to reserve your spot. Noone will be turned away for lack of funds. There is a maximum of 5 spaces.
You will receive an email with more information upon booking including items you may choose to bring with you and suggested supportive reading. You are also welcome to get in touch with any questions beforehand.
Please note the studio is located up one flight of stairs (no lift access) with a small toilet shared between 4 studio spaces so unfortunately the event is not fully accessible. Please share any access requirements in the questions during booking so I can accommodate your needs.
If you have questions or access requirements please feel free to reach out via: harrietsmithdesign@gmail.com
The first in a series of grief gatherings occuring around during a waning moon online.
These will follow the course of several books about grief throughout the year, moving at a slow pace. The first book is the wild edge of sorrow by Francis Weller. In this book Francis Weller talks about five gates of grief. Each month will be structured around one of these gates. In January we begin with the first gate. The first gate recognizes that everything we love, we will lose. Here, we meet the pain of losing a loved one; the grief of illness; and the tender invitation to touch the depths of our losses and loves. You do not need to have read the book but you will receive some optional supportive reading (and listening) via email beforehand.
In the online session, Harriet will share their reflections on the first gate of grief to create a shared basis of understanding. We will then co-create a digital altar, each choosing an image to share with as much or little explanation as you would like to add. Harriet will share more information about ancestor candles and working with the moon phases. Then there will be some time to work with a candle or on your own art or craft project, or simply wrap yourself in a blanket and be in your feelings with other people willing to acknowledge your grief.
There is a recommended donation of 5 euros to cover running costs. If this is too expensive then please get in touch to reserve your spot. Noone will be turned away for lack of funds. Please note there is a maximum number of 8 people.
You will receive an email with more information upon booking including items you may choose to have with you and suggested supportive reading..
If you have questions or access requirements please feel free to reach out via: harrietsmithdesign@gmail.com
