Part of the Table of Submissions programme at the Just Festival supported by the Art Shed Collective.

Raised earth is a performance/installation set in the garden of St. John’s church.

The work uses the sound of ringing church bells – reminding us that in the days before mass communication church bells were traditionally used to announce births or deaths (in addition to various church celebrations).

Thistle seeds are also used. Found blown in the air at this time of year, these seeds were used in traditional medicines and witchcraft for their healing properties. A common ritual has grown around these seeds – where people catch them to make wishes.

Raised earth combines these ideas – using performance to highlight how church grounds can be a place of wellbeing and spirituality, as well as a symbol for past, present and future.