This set of works was created during the AA2A artist residency at the University of Chester, in response to the brief 'loss'. They were exhibited at the exhibition 'Emerge', at Contemporary Art Space Chester, and tucked away in a quiet corner of the gallery.

The use of objects that have a direct relationship to reality are important, because they are based in reality and have their own poetic sensibility.

'Water Your Pillow' is a living sculpture and a visual metaphor of the healing power of tears and growth. The installation almost turned into a performance piece, as the wildflowers in the pillow needed tending to with water. The work is impermanent, delicate and fleeting, just as all feelings will pass.

'Tear Drinkers' make reference to the discovery of the phenomenon of butterflies being nourished by the salt in the tears of various reptiles in the Amazon rainforest. The idea that grief could also be beautiful. Glass bottles collecting precious tears plus a real butterfly sit on a self, next to a photographic self portrait printed onto a handkerchief of the artist with butterflies on her eyes.

Photo credit: Sam Ryley