The exhibition Resilience in Clay, by Sanctuary volunteer Kate Viner, is showing at Chichester Cathedral until the end of August. It consists of seven sculptures of the heads of members of our community, and throughout the creative process Kate has centred the benefits of the project to the subjects of her work. Here the subjects describe their experience of sitting for Kate and being a part of the project:

“I am very happy with the whole project, and have a warm relationship with Kate. No present concerns but will ask you if I do. Kate has been superb at planning and coordinating the contributions from participants who could have been initially shy of contributing. She won their confidence, encouraged their embroidery and expressions of values, leading to several fine pieces I have seen. She asked me to contribute life thoughts and a small embroidery of the South Downs as well as a head. It has been a unique experience and an exciting prospect.”

“I really enjoyed the whole process with Kate, she is amazing and so understanding. I can’t wait to see the exhibition “

“I’m very happy that I’m a part of this project. Kate is an amazing artist who can create realistic artwork that I admire. I had fun modeling for her.”

“I enjoyed working with Kate, she is very attentive and sensitive. Posing for a sculpture is a completely new experience for me, but thanks to Kate, I felt absolutely no discomfort. I want to add to what has already been said that I enjoyed watching the work of a talented master – Kate. I’m glad to be a part of such a great project. When Kate asked me to be her model, I couldn’t believe that she was so interested in my face that she wanted to sculpt it. I never considered my face to be somehow beautiful or special. But Kate endeared me to her so much that I wanted to help her in this project. I also want to tell you and everyone involved in this project, thank you very much for raising such an important topic – refugees.
Thanks “

“I would like to say that this was an amazing opportunity in many different ways.”

“I personally found it so relaxing as I am currently taking an access course which is academic study plus balancing with my six children and working full-time. For me having one hour sitting down with a cup of coffee chatting with someone who has humanity and love like her (Kate) I found so relaxing.”

“My current artwork will have the words ‘Where there is love, there is no darkness’. This means that love has the ability to push out darkness. I chose this phrase because love brings light, positivety, and understanding into our lives, creating an environment free from darkness or negativity. Love has the ability to transform and uplift individuals and communities, creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.”

“It is a beautiful thing [taking part], and the most beautiful thing is that you hear a lot from people who support you.”

“People who will come to this exhibition, I think, when they see these sculptures, they will think about the fate of the people depicted, what they had to endure, how they cope with all the difficulties in a foreign country. And maybe they will think about their lives, think how lucky they are that they live in a peaceful country and they do not need to run away from here trying to hide from some kind of danger. And they will appreciate every day they live even more, and hug their loved ones even tighter when they are nearby. I think this is the most important thing in life – to appreciate what you have, to appreciate the one who is next to you, to spend as much time with each other as possible and to tell your loved ones how dear they are to you. After all, we only have one life and it is so fleeting.”

These quotes were given from before the exhibition opened, and the sitters have since been attending opening events, been interviewed by the BBC and more, so will undoubtedly have more to say on their more recent experiences of the project – we will post updates soon…