Kristina Walsh x Sarah
Sarah’s story
Sarah had a good home. Then she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Two years later, Sarah suffered a mini stroke that affected her mobility and made simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, and dressing her young son much harder.
For support, Sarah moved back to her mum’s place – the housing association home she grew up in. But after her mum died after a short battle with cancer the housing association decided to evict Sarah.
The council found Sarah temporary accommodation, but it was no place for a family to live.
“It was awful, with cockroaches, and our room had just two single beds, a fridge and a sink.”
13 months later, Sarah was offered alternative accommodation, where she lives now. But with significant leaks, electrics that can’t be used and poor accessibility, it’s not a home.
After Shelter assigned Sarah a caseworker to fight on her behalf, the council agreed her accommodation is unsuitable. But they had nothing to offer at the time.
The fight for Sarah continues.
Kristina’s inspiration
'Good Follows Good, Hope Follows Hope' -cast in Jesmonite.
Inspired by the importance of optimism and the power of kindness, this footwear-based artwork responds to a conversation had with Sarah and her belief that, “If you do good, good will follow”.
Shortened phrases inspired by Sarah’s words spiral over two imprints of feet, which symbolize how powerful the positive impressions we leave behind can be on others.
Together the text and carved feet beneath serve as a reminder that even in the most unlikely circumstances, goodness and hope survive.
A 'home' is often associated with places, objects, and memories, but ‘home’, as I had discussed with Sarah, is also a place within ourselves – somewhere we are always present – that encompasses our feelings and our personal state of mind.
Read about the development of this artwork
Visit Shoes Have Names at New Brewery Arts
The exhibition is open from 30th January to 2nd April at New Brewery Arts. It’s free to visit.
Support Shelter charity shops
This exhibition first appeared at a Shelter boutique in London. We wanted to connect shopping, fashion and craft to tell stories of homelessness. Whenever you pre-loved donate clothes, or buy from us you’re helping Shelter fight the housing emergency that is devastating lives.
To donate clothing and items to our charity shops via post, for free, simply download a free postage label. Or you can find your local Shelter charity shop here.
To find out more about Shelter, click on the links below:
Shelter Website: http://england.shelter.org.uk/
Campaigning: http://england.shelter.org.uk/campaigns
Support us: https://england.shelter.org.uk/GetHelp
Get help: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help