Sara Lund

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

I chose a shroud as I thought it was something I could make using some recycled products and also easy storage, or use as decor.

Why did you choose the materials you used?

I used cotton bed sheets from an op shop for my shroud, sewing two together with cotton thread. Cotton tape was used for the ties and handles. For the paint I used mica mineral powders mixed with fabric softener.

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

Two Queen size bed sheets were sewn together, overlapping to give the size required and extra strength. The two I had were slightly different sizes so had to adjust accordingly. Measuring and planning the placement of the ties and handles took a bit of juggling.
Finding eco friendly paint wasn’t easy but I came across mica powders, and discovered that when mixed with fabric softener it created a fabric paint. I’m not much of an artist so used a stencil for the flowers and then painted with my chosen colours.

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

When deciding how I might decorate my shroud these 60s inspired flowers came straight to mind. For a long time I had always pictured my coffin with these flowers on, so when I opted for a shroud instead it was an obvious choice. I have always been drawn to these flowers, on clothes or decorations or jewellery. I was born in 1960 so I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, and these flowers represent that era to me. A chilled hippy vibe that makes me think of that happy time, along with the music and fashions of those days.

What are 3 things you have learned from being part of the Eco Coffin Project?

• The different types of funerals, burials and cremations possible, especially more options of doing things your way.
• The roll of an End Of Life Doula
• Information regarding voluntary assisted dying and home hospice care.

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

As a result of being involved in the project I will be more organised for my own death. I thought I had planned ahead with my advanced care directive and a list of what I would like, but have learnt there is much more I can do to leave my things in order, making it easier for loved ones when I am gone.

Any other thoughts or comments you would like to add?

I have found that by being involved in the project has opened up lots of conversations around death when I told friends and family what I was doing. Most were surprised, and asking “why”, which led to a variety of responses. Overall the conversations were positive and started to break down barriers with talking about death.

Testimonial

I found the project very interesting and well run by Abby. So much information from some very informative and interesting guest speakers. It is something I would recommend to anybody, so important to know what is available to us, and how to prepare for death.