Loss & Change
Facilitated by Emilie Sandy and Dr. Neil Gibson in January 2021
During the lockdown, Emilie instigated an online workshop that involved people who had experienced the loss of a loved one during covid, the workshop was facilitated by Emilie and Dr. Neil Gibson who is a senior lecturer and the course leader for BA (Hons) Social Work and Pg Cert in Therapeutic Photography at Robert Gordon University, he is also a published author. The workshop’s structure was devised from Neil’s previous successful therapeutic photography sessions.
The workshop invited people who had experienced the loss of a loved one during the pandemic.
The purpose of the group was to use photography to explore loss and change, identity, improve self-efficacy, and empower group members. The group was delivered over six weeks. Each session had some theoretical input, followed by discussion and interactive exercises, and each week was spent looking at the products from the weekly tasks.
After returning to Falmouth where my father passed nearly 20 years ago, I notice the place where we spread his ashes had eroded away. Reminding me of the cycle of life, that nothing is permanent. We will all become part of the earth. But as long as we have memories, yesterday remains. And as long as we have hope, tomorrow waits.
Photo: @alisonbeaumont.art
Photo: @alisonbeaumont.art
Photo: @alisonbeaumont.art
Memories are a huge part of my processing of grief. I remember going to Harry Ramsden's as a kid with my Grandpa and Auntie Hilda, it was grand experience, like eating at a proper restaurant, not the regular chippy. That's what I remember about her, elegance, and class, it may have been ordinary food but it was a high-class experience. Photo: @alisonbeaumont.art
This represents the end as the dead plant fills the frame, but the bright light of the sun reminds me to never forget the positives and that the memories will live forever.
Since losing my dad I find myself searching for the beauty in the world. Even though the world is a darker place without him I feel lucky to have had the bond we did. Sitting watching the sunset on the beach I took a moment to send love to my dad....and I feel he sent love back to me.
The complexity of life and the fragility of it, but the beauty of it too.
The Goose: This was literally taken the day after my Mum passed away and I walked about 10k as I didn’t know what else to do. I still look at the picture now and again and it will always remind me that there is light through the darkness.
Staring down into the darkness, the abstract shapes look like infinite galaxies. When I found these bubbles frozen in the ice I was in awe of nature. These perfectly round shapes were mesmerizing, we can I believe learn so much from the land and the water, they have existed for thousands of millenia and we have been here a blip. What was a wow for you today?
This image represents the anxieties I have and how I try to push away the dark that come from overthinking. I try to look for healthy ways to stop these intrusive thoughts; At the moment, I like to lose myself in art & calligraphy.
Imbalance and losing perspective.
Resilience....waking up each morning, pulling myself out of bed but feeling happy to have routine...no matter how much I just want to pull the covers over my head and wake up when this is all over. As my mind wonders on the lows of life at this present time, my alarm waking me up each morning screams at me that each new day is a blessing.
Being on the river gives me strength. It’s where I can spiritually recharge and be in the moment. On Sunday mornings it’s where I can be found whilst the rest of my family head to church.