Art transforming trauma

The concept of the ‘Nationale Feestrok’ took hold in the Netherlands after World War II as a way of helping women cope with war trauma. Communities, families and individuals came together to make patchwork garments utilising the clothing and possessions of lost and loved ones. This creative act was at the centre of stitching themselves and their communities back together.

‘Feestrok’ is a Dutch word for a ‘magical skirt of reparation’. It’s a powerful idea, to work with one’s hands within a small nurturing group, slowly creating something of meaning. This is art transforming trauma. I first came across the idea from Jungian analyst and story-teller Clarissa Pinkola Estés. She advocates stitching a ‘battlecoat’ – a full length garment incorporating painting, writing and scraps of fabric which detail all the insults, slurs, hurts and traumas of the maker. The finished piece is a powerful statement of resilience and survival, an actual physical reminder of its maker’s ability to endure and survive.

Chagford artist Angharad Barlow has spent time exploring the concept of the Feestrok, and believes it carries resonance for anyone who is trying to come to terms with loss or trauma, or who is simply trying to make sense of the everyday messiness and difficulties of life which impact us all. Beginning in January, Angharad is running a four-month course, a ‘winter journey’ of making a simple skirt or shirt. Participants will stitch their past, present and future into the physical reality of the garment, so as to emerge anew for a fresh start in the spring.

Angharad says: “The story of the Feestrok is just so amazing. When we spend time in contemplation and in connection with our places and ancestors, when we gather our thoughts, memories and intentions together, we can use the physical act of stitching and making to mend the invisible as well as the visible. We can explore the ways in which we ‘pull ourselves’ back together. This could include memories of a loved one, family stories past present and future, a personal experience and dreams, or creating an heirloom. The possibilities are endless. What’s really important to me is how we bring the past and the present forward into a better future. That’s what makes this different. We weave our future dreams and hopes into our skirts and stay connected with each other all the way through.”

Using materials collected from meaningful clothing, artefacts, remnants, or brand-new pieces, participants will create a garment from scratch. Those with no prior or only limited sewing experience need not be deterred from this powerful winter journey. They can simply start with a ready-made skirt or shirt to use as a base for patching and embellishing.

The course includes planning and design, looking at materials and techniques, as well as exploring traditional practices of connecting with our ancestors and place. From this, participants will get a sense of what is needed for their personal creative journeys within a supportive network of fellow makers.

DESCRIPTION: Create a healing skirt or shirt

A four-month winter journey stitching past, present and future into a garment. Some materials provided as well as a simple pattern (or use your own pattern). Course consists of four, half-day, in-person tuition sessions (with the option to add another if required); four online progress sessions and an online ‘chat’ group for the duration of the course. Cost £250. Subsidised places available: greenhillarts.co.uk

Green Hill Arts, Moretonhampstead, Saturday 14th January to Saturday 3rd June