Home is where the heart is
The thing that came to my mind when first reading my partner Shandor’s story, who was helped by Shelter, was the saying “Home is where the heart is” – anybody that knows my work will know I will always try and get a heart in there somewhere.
It also says a home is more than just four walls and a roof - it gives a sense of permanence, safety and security where the things and people you hold dear are.
This project has brought back memories of being brought up around the family shoe business, experiencing the highs and the lows and finishing with my parents losing the family home and the shame and despair felt but also the feeling that you have to fight on. Speaking to Shandor we discussed how experiencing homelessness changes your perspective and different things become important.
While homeless he told me how his favourite waterproof shoes gave him security in a time of uncertainty. With this in mind I will do a lace up clog to hold securely on the foot. My starting point was to scribble words and images which stood out to me in Shandor’s story, from the hole which caused his injury and started his journey, to the little things like hanging pictures with hooks on the wall – a sign of permanence: home. So here’s a little peak in my sketch book so far.
Jackie
