A TEXTILES student from Kenilworth has created a charity t-shirt with an inspiring message.
Joshua Gallion has designed the clothing for the Esther Project, a group for vulnerable women, which is run by Leamington-based homeless charity Helping Hands.
The sixth form student, whose mum Susann volunteers for the charity, wanted to help raise funds and create a fashionable piece of clothing but with a important message behind the design.
Joshua based his design on the Japanese art of Kintsugi – the art of resilience. The ancient technique, discovered in the 15th century, is the art of repairing broken pottery by enhancing its scars with real gold, instead of trying to hide them.
The word Kintsugi is a compound of the Japanese words gold and join. Joshua felt the method aptly highlighted the women’s journey to be mended.
Joshua said: “Helping my mum with her support for helping hands and with this project in particular made me want to do a project of my own.
“Creating a fashionable design with a meaningful message, for a good cause. I looked at different ideas and wanted to find something that would make people think, a tasteful metaphor without offending or being too explicit.”
Joshua aims to raise £500 with the sale of the t-shirts to help boost project funds.
The women attending the Esther group are offered the opportunity to volunteer in the charity’s shop, café or warehouse, to study for qualifications as well as counselling and advice on debt, housing and other wellbeing support.
The project also includes weekly activities, including cooking, arts and crafts, day trips, films and pamper days.
The t-shirts are available at Helping Hands Community Project headquarters in Leamington. Contact Lianne Kirkman at [email protected] for further details.
