E I GHT G IFT S G IVEN FO R A J O UR NEY T HRO U G H LIFE
GIFTS book available exclusively in London at the Somerset House Book Shop www.somerset-house.org.uk/shop/rizzoli-bookshop
“Beautiful project.” – Lewis Hyde Author of The Gift “Clare Whistler’s marvellous compendium is in itself a gift of collaboration: thoughts, poems, images, and meanderings. In a reader’s hands, her gift book hatches like a full moon.” – Gretel Ehrlich Travel Writer, Poet and Essayist “This book is a record of formative experiences, an invitation to a larger public share of the childlike clarity and commitment to a richer and more delicate world held, gently, and almost miraculously, by a small group of friends.” – Peter Sellars Opera and Theatre Director “Clare Whistler’s work is a stimulus to thought and experience which finds depth and beauty in the everyday – a gift to all of us.” – Dr Thomas Dixon Director, Centre for the History of Emotions, Queen Mary, University of London
Clare Whistler’s Gifts project was inspired by a naming day gift for Clare’s eldest son in 1989. It was a box containing an egg for life, some coal for heat, evergreen for eternity, salt for health, a candle for light, bread for food, a coin for wealth and a silver ring for love throughout life. Over ten years, from 2005-2015, Clare placed each of these elements in turn at the heart of its own remarkable creative hub, generating a cycle of artistic collaborations and relationships and re-energising
the meaning and cultural significance of gift-giving. This book brings together the artists, the art, the places and the thinking behind all the stages of Gifts and weaves in the memories and responses of guests invited to the events that marked the culmination of each element. Essays on different aspects of gifts and gift giving, along with generous offerings on ritual, collaboration, folklore and creativity together make an astonishing and beautiful book.
Essays written and gifted by Peter Sellars, Jonathan Dove, Sally-Shakti Willow, Matilda Bathurst, John May, Robin McKenna, Jen Mitas, Kris De Meyer and Jane Trowell. 300 pages 210 x 250mm UK £24.95 + £3.50 P&P ISBN 9781526203601 Published by Elephant Press 2016 Clare Whistler © All rights reserved. www.clarewhistlergifts.co.uk clarew@dircon.co.uk 01424 892 304 07775 600 618
Gifts is part of UTOPIAS at Somerset House December 2016 www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/utopia-2016