Empowering Individuals Through the Table for One Program

Monica Nagele offered QFBW’s May Grief Education Series session “A Table for One” at Fusion54 on May 30. The session introduced individuals accustomed to preparing meals for a family to ways to adapt to cooking for one. The presentation covered essential topics such as basic nutrition guidelines, meal planning, mindful eating strategies, quick and easy meal preparation techniques, recipe reduction, food safety, and the intersections of grief and nutrition. Often, caregivers have spent years caring for others placing the needs of their loved ones above their own, and so it was no surprise that when asked about their own meal preferences, attendees struggled to identify special wants rather than what was already in the refrigerator. Jai helped participants consider the ways they actively experience grief and offered some strategies to support wellbeing as each person heals their grief.

QFBW is grateful for Monica’s dedication and willingness to partner to meaningfully impact the lives of those navigating the challenges of cooking for one. The success of the Table for One program exemplifies the positive outcomes that collaborative efforts and community support can achieve in addressing essential needs and promoting overall well-being. We look forward to partnering with Monica in the future!

Want to learn more? You can learn more about nutrition and grief in this podcast, “Can Comfort Food Comfort Grief?” with Monica and Jai.

 

This unique workshop came about as a result of a conversation between metalsmith Katie Wood and Jai when Katie asked about the grief that arises when families decide what to do with treasured items. Meaningful pieces can serve as milestones in a family history – Dad got this spoon on a trip overseas or  they can remind us of significant moments honored with a special gift.

Katie talked about how she came to metalsmithing. She showed “before and after” examples, juxtaposing the original item with the new work of art. Working with metal can be challenging. Many heirloom metal pieces have the precious metal bonded to another metal. This means she can encounter difficulty bending the metal or trying to solder joints together. This is when her creative process honors the meaning over the material and she taps into other ways of presenting the item. For example, rather than welding a piece, she might instead wrap the item in a mount.

She worked individually with each participant, carefully considering the items each person brought with them and suggesting ideas for a new design. One participant had non-metal material, and she was quick to adapt and suggest how the item might be incorporated into a pendant or other hanging decoration.

 

It was amazing to watch her reimagine each item. She would take a spoon in her hands, for example, and then begin to verbally desconstruct the item for the owner. “Look here at this flower, we might take that and then move it here. . . .” Her vision was boundless, seeing cufflinks here, earrings there, and necklaces and pendants in between; all from the same discrete item.  Perhaps the most meaningful part of the time together was the storytelling. Each person had a special story about what they had brought along and why they chose it. And in those moments, the intersection of art and grief was apparent. We have special things that remind us of our loved ones and incomparable meaning arises when we acknowledge both.

We hope to welcome Katie back to the studio for an encore presentation, let us know if you are interested in attending!

 

 

As part of an emerging workshop series at the studio, we have invited Katie Wood, metalsmith, to offer her workshop on designing heirloom jewelry. You can learn more about the workshop and register on our website. Recently, Jai sat down with Katie to learn more about her and her work.

 

 

Jai: Tell us a little bit about yourself

Katie: Raised near Chicago, I was instilled with a spirit of curiosity from a young age, constantly encouraged by my family to explore and learn. My journey into the realm of art began with clay; a passion cultivated since childhood. In 2008, an exciting opportunity led my husband, our three children, and me to England. It was there that I embarked on a new artistic adventure, delving into the world of metalsmithing. Over four years, I honed my skills and let my creativity grow in metalsmithing. Now, settled in Greencastle with my husband and our standard poodle named Windsor, I find myself deeply rooted in both my personal and artistic endeavors. Alongside my artistic pursuits, I am also actively engaged in volunteer work within the Greencastle community, seeking to give back and make a positive impact wherever I can.

J: Working with heirloom pieces is not something everyone does. How were you drawn to this practice?

K: One day, while admiring the intricate design of a casserole dish, inspiration struck me. I envisioned those elegant patterns adorning a beautiful bracelet, transforming an unused item into a cherished piece of jewelry. The challenge was irresistible, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring this vision to life. Simultaneously, my volunteer work at a local thrift store exposed me to a reality: the sight of cherished family heirlooms being donated instead of treasured saddened me. It stirred a desire within me to preserve not just the physical objects, but the memories and legacies they held. Driven by this passion, I set out to find a meaningful solution. I wanted to offer people a way to hold onto their family’s history in a tangible and wearable form. Whether it’s creating earrings, bracelets, bookmarks, or necklaces, my aim is to transform these sentimental treasures into pieces that can be cherished and worn, keeping memories alive and close to the heart.

J: It seems like there might be some intersections between your work and mine as a Grief Coach and Grief Educator. How do you encounter grief when you are working with someone who wants to create a piece from a special family artifact?

K: Often, I find myself listening to the heartfelt stories shared by individuals about their beloved family members. Some stories are filled with laughter, others steeped in history, and some tinged with sorrow. Yet a common thread emerges – the realization of the fleeting nature of memories and the profound need to preserve them before they fade away. However, the joy that fills the room when these individuals open the jewelry box and behold a stunning piece crafted from a cherished family treasure is immeasurable. In that moment, the initial grief is transformed into a beautiful celebration of love, connection, and remembrance.

J: Talk a little about this workshop. I don’t consider myself artistic and so I can’t imagine creating anything beautiful. How will I be a part of the creative process?

K: We will embark on this journey together to find the beauty within your treasured possessions. During our time together, we’ll explore the intricate surface designs of your heirloom, seeking out elements that speak to you on a personal level. Whether it’s a particular section that catches your eye or a specific motif that resonates with your style, our goal is to identify the essence of what makes your heirloom special to you. As we delve into the design process, we’ll talk about your preferences and vision for transforming your heirloom into a timeless piece of modern jewelry. Whether you envision a delicate necklace, a statement bracelet, or a pair of elegant earrings, your input will guide the creation of your unique heirloom jewelry. Following our workshop, I’ll return to my studio to bring your vision to life, crafting a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects the beauty and sentiment of your family heirloom. Please note that the pricing for the finished jewelry starts at $50, and the final cost will depend on the complexity of the design and materials used. It’s important to understand that in the process of creating your jewelry, I’ll need to deconstruct the heirloom piece. While it won’t be returned in its original form, any unused pieces can be returned to you, if desired.

J: Anything else you would like to share?

K: Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of transforming your cherished heirloom into a modern heirloom that will be cherished for generations to come.