Babs Kirby

 Final Journey – Babs Kirby

The two ceramic pieces I’m showing are both connected to my mother’s death in 2016. My sister and I were with her for the last ten days of her life and with her when she died. I wrote this poem soon after she died.

Last Gasp

The Sun was setting

As you fought for life

Your last anguished gasp.

Your natal Mars

The warrior in you

Was rising

But to no avail

The fight was lost.

When I created the first ceramic piece, it was a kind of art therapy for me, and I thought I was describing her. She hunched her shoulders, clenched her fists and let out a silent ‘Munch’ like scream as she fought for her last breath. Later, I realised I was describing my own trauma and anguish.I developed neuritis soon after she died. It’s inflammation of the central nervous system – I saw it as a nervous breakdown in the body – and the other ceramic piece of my hands shows the burning and pain. I still have it but to a much lesser degree.My final piece, the suitcase, is showing what I want to leave behind. I don’t plan on taking anything with me. I want to leave my children, grandchildren and great grandchild money.