ELLIE
NEIL
They say that it takes a village to raise a child. For Falmouth-based artist and mother Jessica Voke, this proverb took on a new meaning during the isolation and lockdowns of COVID-19. Inspired by the trauma of birth and early parenthood during a global pandemic, Jess launched a collaborative textile project, open to all, with the hopes of provoking reflection, rekindling connection, and promoting collective healing.
Falmouth, Cornwall
2023
‘It Takes A Village’ was exhibited by The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society in Falmouth for five days, providing a space for conversation, connection, and collaborative making. The project centred around a method of ‘slow stitching’, with participants each adding their own pieces to a large patchwork quilt, and featured an audio installation, hanging textiles, and cyanotypes printed by Jess.
View Jess's work on her Instagram: instagram.com/jessicavoke