I started out looking at the bag from different angles and found it somewhat difficult to imagine creating different shapes. So I started to twist and tear the bag(s) and really got into a zone. There is so much movement possible with this one simple shape. The familiarity of it may have been what made it hard to imagine it differently but once I got started it was easy to play and have fun. This experiment was done in a group setting and the sound of crinkling and ripping paper was like a soundtrack to the activity. It was as if the paperbags were coming to life with movement and sound.
I thought I might make my project a flower or other organic shape, perhaps a fungus. But I sat with it for a few days and considered my thematic idea, which was to tell a story about Lush Valley Food Action Society. I collected my veggie bag on the day of the experiment and left it to one side as I let my ideas percolate. I thought of the idea of plenty and generosity versus selfishness and greed I also tought of the idea of abundance and generosity meeting hunger and need. So I am considering making 2 different shapes that express this latter idea.
With Thanksgiving approaching, the imagery of a conrucopia came to mind so I might try to create one shape to express this. I am still deciding what the other shape will be- either curled up into a ball or twisted around and bending over.
I took my Lush Valley Good Food Bag and shaped it into a cornucopia inspired form. Then I went about constructing my two mesh bags. I used a discrete colour of thread and a simple over-stitch as the seams will be a subtle part of my design.
I then took one of the mesh bags and scrunched it to mirror the shape of my brown paper bag. The opening wasn’t wide enough so I was advised to put an extra panel in the bag, which I did. My experience of sewing fabric helped me to figure out how to insert a piece of the right size and shape.
I applied plaster bandage to the outside of my sculpture and since it’s so wide open, I decided to do the same inside. I laid the bandages length-wise along the creases of the ‘bag’ and the contours were so pleasing I decided not to apply a layer of plaster. The process was rather messy and I kept my phone in my pocket- so here are some pics of the finished sculpture:
I thought about how to respond to the ‘cornucopia’ with the partner bag. I had the idea of creating a ‘giving and receiving’ relationship. So I twisted the mesh bag at the bottom, leaving a big open ‘mouth’ that I stitched in place to create an incline towards the partner sculpture. I plan to set the ‘cornucopia on a small box so it is slightly higher than the mesh ‘cup’ or ‘mouth’ to suggest pouring out nourishment.
Companion poem. I wrote this poem a few years ago when Lush Valley first started providing me with a ‘Good Food Box’. I gave the poem to Lush Valley and they used it to share with community groups who were/are interested in the impact of their amazing programs:
Can’t Quite
.
I can’t quite put
my finger on it
why my heart feels
lighter and calmer
who’d think a box
of fresh delicious veg
could fill me up like this
but it does
.
Every day I open
my fridge and see
yet another perfect
surprise- an eggplant
spring onions, potatoes
apples and pears
the list goes on and on
.
Already I’ve made
a hearty soup
and a spicy curry
~ the chard became a
bright green smoothie ~
my body feels better
for eating this tasty fare
.
I am gradually sensing
a secret ingredient
which is the love that
follows each piece of fruit
and veg from seed
to farm to box to plate
and the passion for inclusion
that draws everyone in
and makes this incredible
Lush Valley Good Food Box
accessible to all
.
In a time when my means are small
as I choose to put health over money
I feel the community
I feel the pride and care
I finally put my finger on it
I feel a sense of well-being
that has been a long time coming
I feel a quiet gratitude
that allows me to hope
~ to believe in a bright today
and a healthy tomorrow
.
By Carys Owen