Since Covid there has been a global shift to prioritising being ‘present’ in our lives, honing the art of noticing. We’ve been inspired more than ever to create our own castle, a haven in our homes. Thinking of my own special place in my home I wanted to encourage friends, family and readers to share their happy safe space. Perhaps it might inspire you to create your safe/special spot, if you don’t already have one. It took me a while to find the right name for this section of the blog. Then a word popped into my head! This word harks back to my Caribbean literature studies at university. ‘Kumbla’ (a magical coccon) popped into my head.
Kumbla comes from the work of Jamaican writer and sociologist, Erna Brodber entitled Jane and Louisa Will Soon Come Home:
“The image of the kumbla derives in this novel from a popular Anancy story in which Anancy dupes Dryhead into believing that he is surrendering all of his sons to him by telling his son Tucuma … Anancy’s whole career has been one of spinning “fine white cocoons” (124), creating kumblas “designed to protect for generations”.
I’ve drawn upon the image of a kumbla as safe space/place. For my first feature, I share with you my sister from another mother self-taught Therapeutic Visual Artist, Chelsea.
My favourite space in my home is in the living room, where my armchair lives. I sink into the armchair and escape with a book and my preferred cuppa after a day’s work in a complex heavily populated environment. This is the place where I destress and enter myself. In this space, all my grounding elements are close to me. I have a fiddle leaf plant, a salt lamp, incense, books, candelabra and crystals.
The chair faces outside, so I can watch the sun set while having a moment to be grateful. My family know, once I’m in that chair I am not to be disturbed.
Chelsea’s actively involved in the North Kent art scene. She regularly takes part in group exhibitions Follow her @pierrechelseast on Instagram.
If you would like to be featured to talk about your ‘kumbla’ , the special place in your home, DM me on Instagram or email: maria@xpatathome.co.uk
Addtionally, you can will find interiors tips on the Xpat At Home’s Interiors page.
I look forward to hearing from you.
