I am working on a textile project called Pillow Talk.
Pillow Talk is an intimate conversation between friends, sometimes of a difficult subject matter, often in bed or in a cozy, comfortable setting, making the dialogue easier to bear.
Three years ago, I went through treatment for Stage 1 breast cancer. To get through difficult days, I wrote myself a few notes with the words “Strength” and “Courage” and I put them up in various parts of my home so I would see them frequently. These little notes helped me to tap into a deep well of strength I didn’t know I had. Cancer treatment and recovery is a long, slow and fatiguing process. I took a lot of naps as my body processed the toxicity and helped me heal. As I took these naps, I thought a lot about pillows, resting and support, both emotional and physical.
I am now recovered and reflecting all that I went through. I am embarking on a project called Pillow Talk that will be part of a larger exhibition exploring my breast cancer experience. I am creating 68 small pillows using textiles I’ve collected over the years, incorporating a variety of surface design techniques. The designs will be joyful and exuberant, honouring each and every difficult week I went through.
I am reaching out to participants to write a note of strength and encouragement that I can tuck into the pillow for safe keeping. These notes will be digitized and made into a projection in an exhibition as well as recorded as an audio file podcast. It is my hope that these notes, wishes and words of encouragement could offer support for anyone going through breast cancer or other difficult health issue. As this project develops, I will post pillows and notes to this Instagram account.
If you would like to participate, I can pick up the note in the local Ottawa area,
or Notes can be mailed to:
Pillow Talk
℅ Karina Bergmans
155 G Loretta Ave N
Ottawa ON
K1Y 2J7
For questions or conversation, email me at karinabergmans@gmail.com
I gratefully acknowledge the funding support from the City of Ottawa for this project.
