By 1996 my nephew had just turned 1. 

Talking on the phone to my sister in another country, asking how was the little fella doing. She spoke of how he had these size defying hugs, gentle, heart warming and super strong all at once.

Not being able to return home for a few months, I mentioned how great it would be to bottle and send these hugs, that could be drunk in moments of need, consoling, supporting and placing things in perspective, a genuine tonic for the soul.

This brief conversation evolved into how the act of a hug comes in many forms, tender, supportive, celebratory, friendly, all similar, yet had the capacity to cover the whole emotional spectrum.

They also acted as contributing moments and people who have supported an individual over the years. Each Hug became a figure in our history that helped us at different stages, all these figures slowly (and quickly as some figures stumble in their impassioned desire to help us) morphing into one, into the support mechanism that holds us together in those times when we need it most.

The piece is designed to be interacted with. As you step into the piece and lay down, you slowly sink down, surrounded, enveloped into the ever embracing Hugs of the tactile memories. The tranquil comfort, softness and support slowly recharging our very being, who we have become, and who has helped us get there.

The main body of the renewal crib is based on ancient Celtic burial chamber boats that helped transport the spirit of the person to the next realms. We are one individual, but we come and become from a great many. The past, the present and the future at the same time.

Materials: velvet velour, foam
Dimensions: 170cm (l) x 80cm (w) x 45cm (d)

Contact for commission.