Karin Koulianos

What is in the name?

Knowing I would be making a baby casket / coffin, the name needed to describe what the piece is without any emotional connection or attachment. Carefully considering this, so not to be a cause for any triggering to anyone saying the name or seeing this piece. I chose an obscure and uncommon language of Elvish. (I have included both dialects of Quenya and Sindarin in the name).

Cȍlca = Basket (Quenya)

Haudh = grave; funeral mound; barrow and tomb (Sindarin)

Why did you choose to work on a coffin rather than a shroud?

I choose to do a baby coffin / casket with a deep sense of conviction; the purpose of including “little ones” to be seen, acknowledged and share in this special Eco-coffin space.

Being sensitive to the fact this piece could be confronting and controversial to some, having awareness of this during the making process, I have invested much time and care into each stage. Resulting in a nurturing, natural casket that reflects this.

What materials have you used for your artwork?

Basket made from 100% recycled natural paper twine (lightweight construction and durable).

The outer fabric 100% cotton waffle fabric, Alpaca wool fleeces, 2 x recycled bassinet 100% cotton sheets, vintage silk material, thick recycled packing cardboard, eco-glue, scissors, wooden buttons, sewing cotton, soya milk, measuring tape, hammer, flowers and leaves.

Some items purchased from Marketplace, Op shops, Buy Nothing group, friends gardens, local parks & my garden, also pieces sourced from what I already have at home.

Removing all toxic items from the basket & other pieces that would harm the environment such as polyester, elastic, plastic buttons, plastic labels, foam mattress & Velcro.

Shroud is made of vintage silk material with hand sewn flowers of cotton thread.

Why did you choose the materials you used?

Life cycle and journey. I love doing mixed medium recycled Art. To repurpose something into another beautiful, practical and useful item. This was a natural and fluid progression for me throughout this project.

Explain your process in as much detail as possible – include things that went well and things that were challenges?

I did my research, purchased all the items required over months to make this baby casket. Process began with purchasing the first item, the baby Moses bassinette basket. Sourced out recycled sturdy packing cardboard boxes, measured and cut out the shape for both mattress and lid to size. Drove out to a farm to access the Alpaca wool. I chose Alpaca for its softness and strength, like laying down in soft luxury.

With much scrolling on Market place, visited various local Op shops, put out requests on Buy Nothing group and working within my allocated budget.

Photos included form part of the description of the making process.

Many times throughout this experience, knowing I had never done anything like this before on this scale and size, and yes not everything went to plan or worked.

For example: In the dyeing process, I wrapped the cotton waffle fabric with leaves and flowers, carefully rolled it and wrapped it tight in twine. Boiled this in water, weighting it down with 2 large garden rocks from my garden. Unfortunately due to the thickness of the cotton, the imprinting of the leaves and flowers didn’t take.

Searching the internet for ideas and saw this hammer method, known as Tataki-zomè “Flower pounding” This process uses plants and flowers to create a print onto fabrics. It originates from Japan, I tried it on a test fabric first and it worked well. This took days to complete, it was fun and time consuming, listened to relaxing music to have the frequency of this also be imprinted into this and each section of this casket.

The pattern was nature in theme, calming and gentle.

Despite some challenges of life in the mix and many delays and interruptions, this eco-coffin project has taught me I have created both a unique art piece and practical coffin. This may look like a simple casket, yet the amount of work involved in each stage to create this, has been well worth the time, effort and labour involved to complete this.

What is the story behind your artwork. What does it represent about you and your life story?

In my life I have held many positons in paid and volunteer work of service, caring, advocacy and support. My chosen career now as an End of Life Doula in community, being able to offer and provide parents, families, siblings and loved ones the present of time with their baby, child or person, is a gift and something so precious. Making this first baby coffin / casket in this years’ 2025 Eco-coffin project, has highlighted how important it is to move away from the big business and commercialism of the funeral industry. Instead offering and giving a true personal experience with individual meaning and respect. A visual and practical touch of Grace in a simple natural space. Providing families more choice, having confidence and peace to know this will hold their baby comfortably for their last goodbye.

What are 3 things you have learned from being part of the eco coffin project?

• No limit in creativity of the various ways individuals can decorate, create and display their personal expression and story into a coffin, cremation bowl or shroud.
• I have learnt what an Eco-Coffin project is, how we can make a difference and help the planet in the process.
• About Private cemeteries – legislation and how this can be achieved on private land.

What is one thing you will do (or have done already) differently as a result from being part of the project?

Nominate a person to take care of our pet and include that in my will. Providing some financial assistance also to cover costs.

Testimonial

Eco-coffin project has been a wealth of information, guest speakers were insightful, good facilities with plenty of on-site parking, practical excursions to visit natural burial grounds was helpful. Thanks Abby for all the Co-ordinating and facilitating of this project, all the extra work involved in setting up the SALA Art Exhibition side of this also. Your passion and efforts are greatly acknowledged and appreciated.

I would also like to honour and thank my husband, for his patience during this process of me taking over half the dining table and majority of the family room as I spread out to create this piece.