Bloom & Grow

BY KAILYN NEIL

Unique Elements & Features
I added more cushion to the chair seat to make it more cozy, and found a pretty embroidery patch that tied in the velvet fabric with the mahogany stain.

Message & Emotion
As the program coordinator at Furnish Hope, I have the privilege of getting to talk with each of the recipients that we serve and hear their stories. Most of them have experienced a lot of disorder and disharmony in their lives. With this is mind I wanted to create something soft, simple, and pretty, and still function-able.

Creative Process & Insights
As I sanded and sanded away layers and layers of grime, scuffs, and old stain, I thought about how sanding an old piece of furniture mirrors the process of addressing life's accumulated layers of trauma. As the sandpaper glided across the weathered surface, the act of stripping away years of varnish reminded me of the courage required to confront and overcome deep-rooted emotional scars. Gradually the authentic core beneath the layers is unveiled, but it takes time, and a lot of work.

Applying a fresh coat of finish or paint gives opportunity for renewal and a chance to create a new narrative. Similarly, addressing and overcoming trauma in life can pave the way for personal transformation, resilience, and the possibility of crafting a brighter future. In the end, sanding an old chair is not just about restoring its outward appearance but also about uncovering the beauty within.

When I first reach out to a recipient, I don't always know where they are in their journey. Maybe this is a new chance for them, the beginning of a transformation. Maybe this is just one layer that is being removed after many years of challenges, and there is still a lot of work to be done. Maybe we are reaching out a hand to help them spend the end of their life in a home that is comfortable final resting place.

Whatever the circumstances, we are honored to invited to be a part of this time in their lives, and to provide hope in the midst of difficulty.