‘Artworking, honouring tremendous loss’
by Annie Bolitho
Artworking, honouring tremendous loss launched on 22nd June in the wonderful community setting of NECCHI’s Nicholson Street Community House.
I chose the venue because I love collaborating with this organisation! It has a Sun Room, a garden and space for children.
The room was packed. I’d chosen the winter solstice weekend for the launch thinking that the symbolism of the dark and the light coming in would be good and it certainly was.
No one who came will forget the gathering sounds of Ria Soemardjo and a gang of guests playing magical twanging on bamboo instruments.
Artworking has come to fruition after four years, and thanks to the encouragement of many people, especially my first readers, my fabulous editor and my family. I feel great book joy.
How do you like the golden motif? I’m enjoying it so much, which is great since I’m going to see a lot of it over the coming years!
Praise for Artworking.
‘Rich and a pleasure to read, a tender celebration of the power of creativity to provide nourishment in even the bleakest moments.’ Enza Gandolfo, textile artist and writer
‘In this book it as if a friend materialises. Annie affirms that love doesn’t end with death—it shifts. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and the relationship can continue in powerful, unseen ways. Kelly Manning, artist
‘The intimate vignettes in this book feel like whispered stories on an afternoon walk, transforming the lonely terrain of loss into wildflower bouquets of possibility we can pause with now or press between pages for later. Annie illuminates how we might bloom even when no path forward is evident.’ Maya Haviland, Senior Research Fellow, Australian National University, co-creative and parent
‘Annie Bolitho's book navigates the complex territories of grief with sensitivity toward the historical and current landscapes of colonisation, political violence, climate change, diversity, marginalisation and migration. Annie weaves the fabric of this account from friendships, art, writing, and everyday interactions.’ Sheridan Linnell, Assoc Prof Art Therapy, University of Western Sydney