parachute project

This was a project led by Jacob V Joyce who I collaborated with as the screen print artist to bring the vision of the designs on the parachute to life.

The basis of the project was about creating a space and an installation to bring people together over the shared narratives and activates the idea of bringing people from marginalised groups together.

Jacobs vision “The aim of this project is to create a huge mobile mural which is collectively activated by many groups of systemically marginalised people coming together to reclaim their narratives, reclaim their bodies and reclaim their space. The mural, which will be printed onto silk fabric and sewed together into a massive interactive play parachute, illustrates the ways these groups resist all kinds of alienation. People of Black, Brown, Queer, Working Class, Disabled and Homeless experience are the voices that this project centres. The mobile parachute mural will function as an anchor and a magnet to ground, amplify and share anti-alienation strategies as it moves through and creates new environments.  The images and text on the mural will be created through various workshops with community groups over the summer of 2021.”

parachute process

The process of the parachute was developed over a series of meetings with Jacob, talking about the idea, the vision, the visual aspect and what he wanted to get out of this active project.

The main idea was that it was something that people could connect to from multiple backgrounds, bring them together and create a sense of unity.

The way in which we developed was by pulling different visuals from workshops and Jacobs personal illustrations to see which visual imagery best spoke to the collective.

Deciding on visuals:

Once we had come to a clearer idea of the visual aspect and which design would look the best we selected 4 illustrations that would be made as a 2 way print with the colours black and red.

We also selected the base print that runs along the parachute and decided to keep it as a one colour way print as this made the most visual sense.

Repeat print:

We then turned the main print that can be seen along the base of the parachute into a repeat print.

This would allow us to print onto each segment of the material and then later join the fabric together for the print to seamlessly blend and create a unified whole.

Trial:

We did a few trial prints as we were working with a wax fabric which had a difficult surface to bond ink to. We did a few trials to see which fabric and inks would best suit one another and how to cure the ink to the fabric.

After a few trials we found the right recipe that would allow us to bond the design to the fabric and cure it.

Final Printing:

After experimentation and making the final decisions about placement, I was finally able to print all parts of the parachute and cure the ink before sending it off to the seamstress to be sewn into its whole form.

MOH

This project was done with collaboration with the Museum Of Homelessness who commissioned the project.

MOH is a space made by people with experience of homelessness. Putting on events and research that tackles homelessness and inequality. It is a means of practical support for people.

Trinidad and tobago

This parachute went to Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate workshops with Audrey Jeffers School for the Deaf.

This workshop was part of Kambule Community Carnival 2023 events focusing on reclaiming the body. In protest and in joy.

Goals

The aim of this project was to create a vessel for play and anti-alienation education.

The aim is achieved when people come together. The parachute can only appear with multiple hands, the space of expansion and growth can only appear when many come together. This is symbolic to the idea that when we come together to share ideas for community resistance, we are embodied in that empowerment and connectivity.

why community projects are important

This project was a pleasure to be apart of and a very kind welcoming into understanding on a deeper level why community projects are so important and vital for the human-being.

Community projects are important for various reasons, they contribute to the well-being, development and cohesion of local communities.

Social Cohesion:

Community projects foster a sense of belonging and unity among community members. Working together on shared initiatives strengthens social ties and builds a cohesive community. Bringing a shared vision into manifestation.

Local Empowerment:

Engaging in community projects empowers local residents to take an active role in shaping their own environment. It allows individuals to have a say in decisions that affect their community.

Community Development:

Projects address specific needs and challenges within the community, leading to tangible improvements in infrastructure, services, or overall quality of life.

Skill Development:

Participants in community projects often acquire new skills and knowledge through training, collaboration, and hands-on experience. This contributes to individual and collective capacity-building.

Resource Mobilization:

Community projects provide a platform for mobilizing local resources, both human and material. This can include volunteer time, local expertise, and donations, leading to a more sustainable and self-reliant community.

Improved Quality of Life:

Many community projects focus on enhancing the local environment, public spaces, or social services. The positive outcomes contribute to an improved overall quality of life for residents.

Environmental Sustainability:

Community projects addressing environmental issues promote sustainability and responsible resource management. This may include initiatives related to conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy.

Health and Well-being:

Projects that promote health and well-being, such as community gardens, fitness programs, or healthcare initiatives, have positive impacts on individual and community health.

Cultural Preservation:

Community projects can celebrate and preserve local culture, traditions, and heritage. This contributes to a strong sense of identity and pride among community members.

Social Innovation:

Projects often encourage creativity and innovation in finding solutions to local challenges. This spirit of innovation can lead to new ideas and approaches that benefit the community.

Community Pride:

Successfully completed projects instill a sense of pride and accomplishment among community members. This positive energy can inspire further community engagement and collaboration.

Education and Awareness:

Community projects provide opportunities for education and awareness-building. This includes educating community members about important issues, promoting civic participation, and fostering a culture of learning.

Resilience Building:

Engaging in community projects enhances the community's ability to respond to challenges and crises. It builds resilience by fostering cooperation and preparedness.

Youth Engagement:

Community projects offer avenues for youth involvement and engagement. This involvement helps develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.

Participatory Democracy:

Community projects exemplify the principles of participatory democracy, where residents actively participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives.

Community projects play a crucial role in building stronger, more vibrant, and resilient communities. They empower individuals, address local needs, and contribute to the overall well-being and development of the community as a whole.

Working in community is a way to bring a collective vision to life and for people to be heard and connected from different times and space. This is a beautiful way to work together to start building a world more around the collective cohesion, allowing people to really return home to who they authentically are in the collective.