Art for advocacy: Small steps for Hannah
In February 2020, I created Small Steps for Hannah to honour Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, who were brutally burnt alive in a domestic violence tragedy. Learning that the soles of Hannah’s feet were the only part of her body not burnt stayed with me, and her feet became the symbol of what carries us and keeps us moving forward.
Some works are designed to speak loudly, but this is designed to address grief, love, and the unbearable reality of domestic violence. The piece centres on layers of papercut footprints individually mounted onto artboard, symbolising Hannah and the smaller feet of her children. Each footprint represents quiet, steady steps toward awareness, safety and change. My hand-painted watercolour lettering, soft textures and delicate palette of Canson paper was intentional, because healing often begins softly.
Art cannot undo the tragedy but it can hold memory, create space for reflection, and remind us that change occurs with small steps taken together. Read about Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey (HALT) and donate to Hannah’s Sanctuary here.
