Katrina Williams

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

I’m hoping I won’t get to use this shroud. I’ve bequeathed my body to science, which means they’ll cremate me once I’ve finished serving as a teaching and research cadaver. But if things go differently, it’s nice to think I’ll be swaddled in my Plan B – a teaching resource that incorporates my love of making interesting things from fabric.

Why did you choose the materials you used?

I was inspired by the demonstration shroud I got to be wrapped in by Taylor & Forgie Funeral Directors during the Eco Coffin Project. For environmental and hip-pocket sustainability, the whole thing apart from the internal pocket is constructed from offcuts.

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

I’d been looking at shroud instructions on the internet, but I really liked the look and feel of the Taylor & Forgie shroud. I used the afternoon tea break following their demonstration to whip out my trusty measuring tape and jot down as much data as possible. My technical drawings at school were always messy, but I’m glad my brain enjoyed the process of drafting diagrams! My neurodivergence includes (undiagnosed) dyscalculia – think dyslexia but with numbers. Working without a commercial pattern and prescribed fabric allowances is very challenging. The finished size is different to the plan, but it’s okay. Shrouds only need to be ‘big enough’.

Fabric – The main piece is cut from a 6m length of heavy cotton, which was washed and line-dried before cutting into panels and connected with French seams. I worked mainly in my office/bedroom, which is fine for garments but things quickly go out of whack when working with big pieces on an ironing board. I ended up heading to my library job early one morning, and used the conference tables as a massive workbench to mark out the handle placement with safety pins (and then put on my librarian hat).

The commercially made shroud this piece is based on had carry handles made from jute webbing. Mine are constructed from twice-folded strips of fabric, reinforced with lines of straight stitching like a karate belt (very satisfying to run through the machine). The sash ties are salvaged selvages (more interesting than mass-produced trims). To soften the blunt, scissor-cut edge to resemble the distinctive selvage effect produced during manufacture to prevent fraying, I had to experiment with distress techniques (washing, lint combing, finger tweezing). Because I’d cut a little close to the stitching, I had to maintain patience so I wouldn’t damage it…all 12 metres!

My plan to use tshirt transfer paper to apply information about shrouds onto the fabric was stymied by technical difficulties. Therefore, it’s appearing in this exhibition in its ‘naked’ form. Not a worry, since my intention was always to add to the shroud over time. I love finding possibilities in problems, and this just means I can document its development in an unexpected way.

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

As a death nerd (ie humanist civil celebrant, educator, doula and librarian), I’ve made this shroud as an interactive learning resource. I’m interested in empowering people to become ‘death comfortable’ by challenging mortality taboos in fun and novel ways. Shrouding is like swaddling but for dead people, and is simultaneously an ancient and current practice. This shroud invites you to engage in a personally unique sensory learning experience. Will it be reassuring, like wrapping yourself in a cosy quilt? Will it be funny, like negotiating an unwieldy tent? And will you create new neural pathways as you engage with it? You bet!

Go ahead. Handle it. Snuggle in it. Model it – and tag @meaningfullives.au on Instagram.

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

• There are way more people than you’d expect who have niche interests in shaping death-comfortable communities.
• It’s affirmed my meaningful life purpose is empowering people as a death literacy educator
• If you want to be buried on private land in rural SA, the law is on your side.

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

It helped give me the courage to officiate my first funeral, and I loved it.

Any other thoughts or comments you would like to add?

Knowledge is empowering. The fear of inaction is so much worse than not finding out. Go ahead and register your interest for the next Eco Coffin Project.

Testimonial

The Eco Coffin Project is a wonderful program. Whether you’re keen for new information or feeling anxious about facing the unknown, Dr Abby Buckley will empower you with knowledge in a warm and inclusive environment where you’re safe to be yourself. I highly recommend it!