Online discussions and explorations of issues and ideas
Last Thursday we returned to the ZoomRoom for a quilting group chat. Phase 2 of Threads of Survival has been a little more complex – reflecting the bitter and confused time we are in. The return to discussion and chat was the right thing to do.
A small group – 3 Threads Originals and 1 newcomer who had experienced the quilts in Cambridge and wanted to get involved. But as the lovely Margaret Meade quote goes…
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has
THE ZOOM ROOM
After initial welcomes and “hello’s” we launched straight in to the issues we are faced with and how a new national quilt plus some individual ones might reflect the times and also offer some sense of hope to people who came to visit them.
There was a familiarity to it – inherited from over a year of such meetings during the Locksdowns of 2020/21.
As with all creative chats we rambled around sparking off and helping each other to go deeper into asubject matter as it came up. We use a visual online whiteboard which immediately begins that visualisation process.
Although the picture of 2022 “post-pandemic” England was not a particularly healthy one we all agreed that the process of talking it through, asking questions of ourselves and beginning to think creatively about how to record the times – that was a worthwhile and positive thing to do.
Under Cover of Covid has been the title of our Phase 2 work as we want to record all the changes to people’s lives, the democratic process while everyone has been so focused (rightly) on dealing with the pandemic. As we explored the inevitable circles of questions and answers we realised that now – in the supposedly “post pandemic” world – Covid is being pushed under cover… There is the pretence that we can carry on now as if nothing has happened.
“What’s the Point?”
If only we could record the conversations that arise between visitors and volunteer helpers during the exhibition. It is a wonderful exchange of knowledge, insights and lends a sense of hope that people can be alerted to what is going on and can feel strongly enough to take some action. The quilts do have an emotional effect as well as some thought provoking content.
SOMETHING TO SAY?
And that is why we are beginning a new series of Thursday night ‘drop-in for a chat’ workshops. Our Zoom chats are informal, friendly and you dont have to stay the duration.
Thursday Night is Threads Night (check dates) 7.30 – 9pm
- Thurs 19th May
- Thurs 26th May
- Thurs 9th June
- Thurs 16th June
There will be more dates to follow as begin to create additional quilts and textile pieces.
If you would like to join us – for chat, helping with ideas and (of course) creating a quilt or two – email us for a link at
