Sara Loechel

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

Shortly after completing the Eco-coffin Project, my beloved 14-year-old dog, Angel, died. Creating a replica of Angel and her shroud for this exhibition felt like a meaningful way to share that experience with others as well as honour my grief journey. The act of wrapping a body, whether human or animal, with love, thoughtfulness and intention, is a sacred ritual. Intuitively knowing what to do, helped me feel grounded, connected, and empowered in that moment – and I hope this this resonates with others who might face similar experiences.

Why did you choose the materials you used?

I used what I had on hand – natural materials that are simple and humble. Recycled fabrics energetically hold stories from the past. In this piece they represent the recycled bedsheets and towels that were used for Angel’s actual shroud, which were familiar, comforting, and personal, enabling us to create a cocoon for Angel that was heartfelt and reassuring for us.

The paper mâché frame was made using basic biodegradable household supplies – cardboard, paper, and a homemade paste of flour, water, and salt. These choices were accessible and reflect a value of simplicity and sustainability.

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

The process began with creating a cardboard frame to represent the form of Angel’s body. Used boxes made of sturdy cardboard were cut into strips and, with masking tape and a stapler, the strips were attached to a cardboard base. I arranged them to form the basic shape of her body, working intuitively from memory – her shape, her presence. Then I used paper mâché to create the outer layer over the cardboard frame.

Initially, it came together well, and I felt good about how it was shaping up. However, as the paper mâché dried, parts of the cardboard structure collapsed under the moisture. In hindsight, a stronger internal frame – perhaps made of wire – would have helped it hold its form.

Despite that challenge, the final shape definitely evokes Angel. There was a little bit of comfort, as well as discomfort at times, having her paper mâché shape drying on the coffee table…This part of the process was unexpectedly cathartic – each layer an act of remembrance, allowing me to honour her presence while gently processing the weight of her absence.

I then wrapped ‘Angel’ in a fabric shroud made from upcycled linens – replicating the used bedsheets and towels that we had on hand, used to carefully bind and cocoon her body when she died.

What is the story/inspiration/meaning behind your artwork? What does it represent about you and your life story?

This piece is both a tribute to Angel and a deeply personal reflection on how I’ve recently engaged with death and grief. Through the participation in the Eco Coffin Project, I was primed in a practical way, enabling me to feel empowered and prepared to lead a meaningful end-of-life ritual for our family, and giving me the ability to lead, facing the inevitable with calm and intention.

As Angel was dying in the middle of the night, and we waited for the vet, there was time for each family member to say their goodbyes. I instinctively began gathering materials I had on hand to make a shroud for her – cotton bedsheets and towels, and a piece of plywood that happened to be just the right size. My daughter and I carefully folded and ironed long strips of fabric, hiding the unhemmed edges, to create ties to use to secure the shroud of bedsheets. The process was slow and soothing and grounding – something we could do with care and intention; it felt like a way of taking loving action in the midst of sadness.

Once the vet had been, and she had taken her last breath, we carefully arranged Angel using the towels, plywood and sheets. We included her last bone that we found on the lawn and laid it next to her, along with some herbs and flowers, and then we wrapped her up. On a small piece of calico, we wrote personal messages of farewell and laid it over her shrouded body. We the secured it all with the fabric straps.

We had to allocate a set time for the cremation later in the day. This meant that there was some additional time to spend with Angel’s shrouded body as we waited for several hours. Unexpectedly her nose began to leak toward the end of the day, so we untied the straps, applied an extra towel at her nose, wrapped her in a second sheet and re-fastened the straps. We finally then took her to the pet crematorium in Elizabeth, with a sense of calm, quiet honour, and completion.

What surprised me most was the effect the whole experience had on the rest of my family. They shared with me how much they appreciated the care and intention behind the way the day unfolded, and how deeply moved they were by the opportunity to say goodbye to Angel in such a peaceful, meaningful, and natural way.

This artwork – a replica of Angel’s shrouded body – honours this experience. It speaks to the quiet strength of preparation, the healing that can come through simple acts of care and ritual in death, and the importance of making space for grief.

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

• Empowerment during death and grief is vital – not just for the dying, but for those left behind.
• We need to understand and talk more about the practicalities of what happens during and after death. Knowledge gives us choices and helps us be prepared and to heal.
• Creative, hands-on rituals can help us process loss and feel more connected to both the earth and each other.

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

I’ve begun completing my advanced care directive with greater care and detail. I’ve also started more open conversations with my family about what we want for ourselves and each other when death comes. It’s made me think more about changing how we live – making us more grateful, more honest, and more prepared.

Any other thoughts or comments you would like to add?

I’m incredibly grateful for the space this project created – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It allowed me to process my grief in a tactile, meaningful and creative way and connect with others who were also exploring what it means to say goodbye with intention.

There’s something powerful about creating with your hands while reflecting on life, death, and love. It slows you down. It grounds you. It reminds you of what really matters. Both the act of shrouding Angel’s body as well as this creative process, has given me comfort and connection, gave shape to my grief and helped me move through it.

What surprised me most was how, even with all the preparation and support I had from the Eco Coffin Project, there were still unexpected moments – like when Angel’s nose began to leak -that caught me off guard. But I didn’t panic. I knew what to do. That quiet knowing came from what I had learned. It made me realise how essential it is to have both knowledge and support through the process of death and dying. It also highlighted the complexity of these experiences – how even when we feel prepared, we are still navigating new emotional and practical territory.

I hope we can continue to normalise these conversations, and create more community spaces like this – where death is not feared, but accepted, honoured, and even embraced, providing comfort, connection, and empowerment.

Death is often treated as a taboo, something to be feared or hidden away. But through this project, I am reminded that it is part of the natural rhythm of life – something we can prepare for, talk about, and even meet with creativity and grace.

The eco-coffin project – It’s not just about making a shroud or decorating a coffin. It’s about making space – for stories and for healing.

Testimonial

The Eco Coffin Project has been one a profound and influential experience. It gave me the tools, and the courage, to approach an experience of death with creativity, care and clarity.
Because of the Eco-Coffin project I felt supported, informed, and empowered to lead a loving and intentional farewell for our beloved dog. It reminded me that death doesn’t have to be a clinical or hidden event – it can be a sacred, participatory act of love.

I would encourage anyone who is even a little curious to take part. You don’t need to be artistic. You just need to be open. This project will help you see death – and life – with new eyes.