Drawn to Thread: 4304

It is the last few days of prep for Art in Action 2015 and the last major art event / work until September. Whilst very excited about attending and teaching the work shops, I am a little worried about my entry for 'Best of the Best'.

In 2009 my husband took his own life. That year 4304 men had their deaths reported as 'suicide'. It is the biggest killer of men under 50 and the critical time for men is between the years of 40 and 44. Carl was 43. It has been well documented this year on TV (BBC, 2014) that the biggest cause is the fact that men refuse to talk about their feelings and whilst this continues, the high rate of male suicides will not slow down. I feel passionate about this because I have two sons and I really want to make sure that they always know the importance of talking as they become men.

My dilemma was wether or not I should talk about these facts alongside the garment. However, I have decided that the title may just be enough to make people question what the work is about and maybe read this post. The Japanese Gampi tissue night gown cannot be worn but the possibility that it could creates an absence. Light will be used to help capture this and illuminate the design which depicts the route that Carl may have taken from our house to his place of death. Many painful questions are left unanswered after suicide and this makes the rebuilding of normal life very difficult. However, the beauty of the delicate embroidered repair shows how hope can return and lives can be lived again.

Click here to read more about the making of the garment