My Story by Christine D
I was born in Scotland but have lived in England since the early 80's. My late husband wanted to be a Probation Officer and as there wasn't a Probation Service in Scotland this prompted our move. Initially our family (two sons), moved to Preston and lived there for 7 years but a job opportunity for my husband prompted a move to Lancaster in 1988.
Whilst in Preston I gained a degree in Applied Social Studies and a postgrad in Social Work. I worked in this field for 11 years then gained an Art Degree which prompted a career change. I worked for a period as Artist in Residence at Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre. My work was political/issue based and I liaised with many faith groups on campus especially the Student Islamic Society. I created with them a photographic art exhibition "What Makes Me Laugh" to help dispel the sinister image being portrayed of Muslims in our mainstream media following the London bombings (7/7/2005).
My understanding of the plight of Palestinians grew from this period and in 2010 I was in the process of creating artworks to highlight the atrocities of the 2008/09 23 day invasion of Gaza by Israel (Operation Cast Lead). This was curtailed by the death of my husband and my own journey with cancer. I am presently cancer free.
I became active in the Palestinian cause again due to the Genocide presently being perpetrated on them by Israel.
I regained my passion to address such atrocities via the medium of art. In June 2024 I displayed with collaborators an art for Palestine exhibition "GhostlyFragment:Roots and Wings to Fly".
In December 2024 my second art for Palestine exhibition "Gauze" was shown at the Gregson Centre, Lancaster as was the first. The photo here shows the "Toy Box" which is part of this exhibition.
I protest weekly in Lancaster and have marched in London regularly.