{"product_id":"common-threads","title":"Common Threads","description":"\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-ml5tgvk6 wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-ml5tgvk6\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font_2 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eArtist Statement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-ml5tauyy wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-ml5tauyy\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eCommon Threads was developed through a collaborative process grounded in conversation and exchange. Working alongside poet Leeza Awojobi, the project grew out of Swapping Chairs — a series of shared conversations where participants were invited to sit together and talk about place, belonging and everyday connections. These discussions formed the conceptual starting point for the work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe map was created using freehand machine embroidery, with the words and reflections gathered through Swapping Chairs translated into colour, shape and line. Participants’ descriptions of places they felt affection for in Bedminster informed the stitched marks, allowing language, memory and personal geography to shape the visual form of the map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe Common Threads map is now sited at Windmill Hill City Farm, where it sits within a shared, public setting. I hope to continue developing the work through future stitching workshops, inviting more local people to add their own marks and stories over time, so the map can grow in response to the place and the people connected to it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-ml5th7v9 wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-ml5th7v9\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"font_2 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eBedminster is changing fast, but what makes this part of Bristol unique and how can its character be carried forward during regeneration?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-mkzn918q wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-mkzn918q\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThese are questions at the heart of Common Threads, an eight-month residency by Bristol-based restorative poet Leeza Awojobi, who is working with local people to explore the evolving identity of South Bristol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-mkznf0bc wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-mkznf0bc\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe project invited local residents and partners to reflect on what makes this part of Bristol unique — and what connects its diverse communities. \u003cbr class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cbr class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThrough poetry, facilitated gatherings, and creative conversation, Common Threads explored the fabric of local life, weaving together stories, cultures and perspectives from across Bedminster. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-mkznu96b wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-mkznu96b\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eAt the heart of the project was Swapping Chairs, a series of informal, social gifting experiences that bring neighbours together to exchange views, experiences, and histories. Designed to celebrate the value of each person's perspective, these gatherings created space for dialogue around change, identity and belonging. Textile artist Zoe Gibbons joined some sessions, responding to the conversations through collaborative making. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-testid=\"richTextElement\" class=\"ku3DBC zQ9jDz qvSjx3 Vq6kJx comp-mkznwic1 wixui-rich-text\" id=\"comp-mkznwic1\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eThe project culminated in a public showcase at Windmill Hill City Farm on Wednesday 15 October 2025, a chance for Bedminster residents past and present to experience the stories, poetry and creativity gathered through Common Threads. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eIncluding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eInspiring poetry readings from Leeza\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eA short, beautifully shot film about the local area\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eSharings from residents who have a meaningful connection to Bedminster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font_8 wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eA hands-on mini sewing workshop where people added their own thread to the story of Bedminster\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wixui-rich-text__text\"\u003eMore information about the project can be found \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"info about Common Threads\" href=\"https:\/\/aprb.co.uk\/projects\/common-threads\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ZoeGibbons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44173276315828,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1246\/6919\/files\/common-threads-16-1320x724_dded683d-c91e-4791-b143-356e82e9b99f.jpg?v=1774880156","url":"https:\/\/zoegibbons.com\/products\/common-threads","provider":"ZoeGibbons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}