Group Meals

​

"Meals for myself are private, invisible, demure, small and not made to elicit this kind of joy. For me, still, enjoyment and pleasure in food in intensely social." - The White Pube 

​

Food has always been the center of celebration in my family. Coming together at the end of the day to witness the performance of a meal is something that has always been very special to me. So when food becomes an issue it can disrupt family relations, almost causing a feeling of grief or loss. 

​

Here is a selection photos that demonstrate me reclaiming this space. Regaining control and allowing me to share the valuable ritual of food with friends. These dinners are all about care. Caring for the people around you by caring for the food you are collectively making. These simple weekly events have highlighted thoughts that when experienced can sometimes be overpowering. These communal meals have helped formulate an understanding of theses thoughts and how they impact, not just my life, but can seep into others around me. Although these meals are not a solution they act as relief. 

​

As a child, a memory that has always stuck in my brain, is kneading biscuit dough with my mum. The tactical and malleable feel of its texture has made this memory sticky and fuelled a joy of sensory experiences throughout my life. To think of the weight of the dough is to think of my mothers presence. It grounds me and envelopes me in a sense of safety. This is why it feels so important to make food with others. To share this feeling of safety with those around me.   

 

The photos are documentations of group meals constructed throughout the last few months within Covid-19 quarantine. The production of these have been particularly important, as they have taken the vital creative space which clay would usually occupy without access to the studios.