Testing Ground: Eva Sajovic

Our eighth and final Testing Ground residency was completed as Eva Sajovic stayed on a socially distanced, week-long residency at The Garage, Brierfield. With a practice that combines research, participatory social action and weaving, Eva set out to explore local people’s relationship with textiles and the area’s local plants.

To gain insight into properties and histories of local plants, Eva met with herbalist Danielle Kay. Together, they safely walked a route that showcased Pendle’s diverse offerings of herbs, roots and other plants. Samples of these plants were then collected and used by Eva to create and experiment with natural dyes. Eva also met with local group Mums2Mums, to talk about the group’s relationship with textiles, community and the influence of Pendle’s historic mills. Sat outside in the sun, with social distancing in place, together they discussed the contemporary relevance of weaving, shared work and past industry in Pendle.

Now, Eva’s research and ideas have began to develop into a game. The game, which will offer players a chance to use questions about the past, present and future of work in Pendle to stimulate conversation, will offer a chance to better understand and perhaps connect with one another’s histories and hopes.