“Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive”
I was reading an Agatha Christie novel recently, which featured the bible quote above. I’m taking the quote out of context, but it felt very fitting for what we’re seeing from people in power currently, where they are (sometimes) comfortable commemorating the victims of past injustice, but unwilling to act to save those who are dying right now, or to recognise their suffering. The novel happened to be set in Palestine, which felt particularly on the nose.
I got a sudden urge to make this beaded patch a few weeks ago. It’s made using 6mm bugle beads from Southampton Bead Shop attached to 12 count Zweigart white tapestry canvas from Stitcher. Once all the beads were attached, I created a ‘frame’ out of four strips of cotton drill, and backed it using the same fabric. It’s just pinned onto my jacket to allow me to move it to other clothes, and so I can store it between wears as it’s unlikely to be hugely sturdy.
I attached a lot of these beads sat in bed, a few weeks ago, while unwell with covid, and I was very conscious that I was warm and comfortable while unwell. Being unwell always reminds me how vulnerable it must feel to be homeless, or in a warzone, or in a situation where you have no choice but to work regardless of your health.
It felt fitting to get a photo of this patch on the first day of a new year. #CeasefireNow
