Spoon Theory

My poems quite often have adventures of their own accord; turning up at firesides, in classes, and at special events like weddings. It's always such a delight to receive unexpected email from people inspired by my work, who've put it to use lifting-hearts and speaking-out for more playful or truthful lives...

However it's next level to hear from other artists when they've used my words to create something entirely different; including them in a new creation - and that's what i heard recently from illustrator Hannah Yee.

Hannah's project was an exploration of Spoon Theory - looking at the business of life and the difficulties that come with it - especially with regards to metal health problems. (As I'm sure you know, it's a subject quite close to my heart - considering myself to be an advocate against the expectations of modernity and the self-judgement that so often comes with non-compliance).

She used the words from my 'To-Do, or first world problems' poem, alongside her fabulous observational drawings, to follow her own personal life for seven days; making bi-hourly pictures to show the fluctuations in business, activity, ability, etc. These images are ultimately displayed in 7 books (one for every day); which are in concertina form, so when they open, they actually roll out along the floor like huge to-do lists...

I'm so thankful to Hannah for getting in touch; but also for being a courageous creative, examining and making-visible the assumptions of our society - for everyone else that needs a little encouragement to step back or change their lens.

Take a look!