Performance by Hannah Heumann

We have found that our grief is not so much a process, or a journey (though it can be like that), more, it’s like a condition, a state of being, something that we will live with for the remainder of our lives.” (Edmonds and Harris, when words are not enough)

“My work centres around my grandmother’s death. She played an important part in my life and upbringing, as I used to spend half the week in my childhood and teenage years at my grandparents’ house. I view her as my ‘second mom’ and best friend whom I shared many concerns, problems, questions, and memories with. My memories of her are transient. They fade and only parts of them remain – if I want to or not. As Beth Kempton in ‘Wabi Sabi’ states, life is impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect. It is impermanent as we live and die like my grandmother. It is incomplete as we face the loss and grief of/for loved ones. It is imperfect as these experiences leave marks on us. Often we try to hide these marks in our daily lives. Our Western culture tells us that death and grief are depressing and morbid topics.

In my experience it is often downplayed, avoided, and not talked about. This performance appreciates and remembers many of the conversations I shared with my grandmother.”

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