Savannah Sanford 2024

Abstract

Lavender Child

This thesis explores the emotional and symbolic significance of fabric as a medium for processing grief, particularly the trauma of losing a parent to suicide. Through a large-scale textile installation, I create a space of comfort and protection inspired by my own childhood experiences with loss. At the age of eight, I lost my father to suicide, and the grief that followed left me clinging to comfort objects, especially my baby blanket. Fabric, with its tactile and intimate qualities, became a vital tool in my healing process. This piece, an oversized transparent canopy made from naturally dyed fabrics and adorned with symbols like flowers and butterflies, serves as both a tribute to my inner child and a reflection on the healing journey. It embodies the fragility of emotions during grief, the ongoing need for solace, and the potential for growth and transformation over time. By incorporating eco-printing and materials that evoke personal memories, I aim to create a space that offers comfort and invites reflection. This installation also sparks conversation about suicide prevention, childhood grief, and the role of art in healing and community support.