Nic Parsons
Creative Grief Space
‘Creative Grief Space’ is an ongoing artistic exploration, researching ways in which we might compassionately support those experiencing grief, by using creative methods. Set up by Nic Parsons in October 2020, the project was inspired by ACE (Action in Caerau & Ely)/Macmillan partnership group ‘Grief Space’, a weekly community grief support group.
Artist Nic Parsons has led two projects so far. The first project welcomed individuals to attend a series of planning and making workshops creating textiles landscapes encapsulating their grief experience, including significant landmarks, places, fabrics etc whilst learning a number of practical artistic skills.
The second project was developed following the loss of a valued community worker who worked where the project takes place at the Dusty Forge community space in Ely, Cardiff. Members of the Dusty community were invited to share stories and capture memories of Caroline Barr, a much loved Health Development Officer at ACE. The process involved pressing significant objects into clay during group participatory workshops, then casting these as individual plaster artworks, culminating in a permanent memorial display housed in the Dusty Forge reception area.
Through the project the artist seeks to unite communities in grief, by providing a safe outlet for gentle creative reflection and comfort within the artwork created.
