The Story shelter is a metaphorical ‘safe space’. A tentlike structure that allows a Wildling Stranger to take respite, feel safe and to ‘see’ Cornwall as those who live and work in
Cornwall experience it. Not the picture postcard images that are used to entice tourists but ‘warts and all.’
The panels and patches are made with recycled fabrics, using applique, embroidery, and fabric pens. The project has been run throughout Cornwall for over six months, with many groups working regularly on the panels within their community space/home throughout this time.
In the later months the project was extended in partnership with the National Trust and series of one-off workshops were held at NT properties with community groups that had an existing relationship with the NT or that the NT wanted to nurture.
My interest in creating a ‘safe space’ for the Stranger is prompted by the continual ‘Othering’ of people in social media, the press and in politics either because of race,
gender, social circumstance, religion etc. Othering is ‘the process of dividing people into two groups, an in-group and an out-group, by highlighting differences and emphasizing stereotypes and hierarchies to create a sense of distinction between the two groups.
This can often lead to discrimination, persecution, and even violence. Fostering a ‘Blame’ culture.
This in juxtaposition with the chronic housing shortage in Cornwall caused by lack of social needs housing, second home ownership and holiday homes, which leaves many
individuals and families in insecure and inadequate housing or indeed homeless.
All participants were asked three questions.
- What is the first word or reaction to the word – Stranger?
- Have you ever been a Stranger?
- What would you like to say to a stranger about Cornwall and your life?
All the participants have taken part with a generosity of spirit and open- heartedness towards the Stranger and with a kindness and willingness to share their lives and
experience of Cornwall with someone they have never met that has been truly inspiring. I have been humbled and delighted with the responses.
The groups and individuals that have taken part in the project are:
Larger Panels:
Shallal, The Curious School of The Wild, The Caradon Quilters, Local community hosted by Black Voices Cornwall, The Drym Valley Centre, Bobbins and Buttons home ED group with Donna Squibb, St Petrocs – Breadline support centre for homeless and vulnerably housed : Women’s space and Creative Thursday group, Out of Sink – Synchronized Environmentalist swimming group, Art for Well Being, Creative Yarns, Pride Cornwall – drop in at St Austell Pride’s Penguin soup , Shaahin Ashoori, Toby Bridge, Meier Williams.
People of Cornwall patches:
Jan, Deborah Maurice, Tamsin Titcomb, Sue Thomas, Ann Butland, Pam Tongue, Sue Dove, Rose Whitaker, Jo Mcintosh, Suzy Griffiths, Judith Whitehouse.
NT Panels and Patches:
Progression Pathways @ Trellissick, Piecemakers quilting group @ Cothele, EIP- NHS @ East Pool mine, NT volunteers and creatives @ Highertown Farm Campsite Lanallos, Reachout (TBContinued) @ Godolphin
