Twelve - embroidering grief is a textile artist’s ongoing work on the topic of grieving that has been part of her creative process for over a decade. It speaks of how they perceive the lack of communication in Sweden around the subject, fueled further by attending the University course The History of Death in 2021. The project will be a public installation encouraging discussion about bereavement by suggesting there are many ways of mourning, and that craft can be beneficial for healing.

The artwork connected to this paper is a textile installation with embroidery meant to resemble tree trunks or the artist´s phenomenological perception of trees, more specifically very tall pine trees, in a grove. The work links craft and mourning. It touches on theories as how grief is both a biological and psychological phenomena, on personal grief and how the artist deals with it herself.

Biophilic design is mentioned, and parallels are drawn between health and nature. Natural dyeing and metal works emphasize the perception of trees. Sound and other sensory experiences will make the audience aware of their own body in the space. By asking the viewer to sigh while in the installation, the artist encourages an introspection for a short while. This action lowers one’s blood pressure as a result of our bodily response which might make one feel more present.