This Saturday marks the launch of Invisible People Art Trail in Stoke Newington. Having a shop on Stoke Newington Church Street and being part of such a diverse community with an independent spirit has always felt incredibly positive. Invisible People is taking that to another level as 80 businesses dedicate their windows to a group of talented artists who all too often feel invisible. The collection of art curated by award-winning cartoonist Henny Beaumont showcases the creativity of the invisible in a new light.
“The Art Trail is a celebration of these people’s abilities, an opportunity to make people feel visible and for their artwork to be seen. It’s an appreciation of difference.” – Henny Beaumont
Kristina’s work was selected alongside other artists each with individual and often extreme challenges to overcome. On display at Bless Kristina and I chose 2 photographs from her project 'Chair For Rest' that represent the Ukraine flag. The installation, complete with an old kitchen chair, creates a space for contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to take a seat and respond to the artist's statement by leaving a message in a notebook that will tour with Kristina's work.
“The project began before the war as an exploration of the places people create for others to rest whilst having very little themselves. After the outbreak of war I now wonder what has become of these people. Some have been enlisted in the military, volunteered to help others, become refugees or perhaps they have died so I can continue to live.” Kristina Revizor
A selection of Kristina's work will be on display at Bless and available to order.
We love our Bless Tribe and all that they bring. With their collaboration and help we are in the process of arranging English Conversation sessions over the Summer at Bless for refugees from around the world. One of our friends has been giving 121 English lessons. Some of our practitioners have offered healing sessions at the Bless Sanctuary. And some of our tribe made generous donations to help us buy Kristina a bicycle. If you would like to help in any way our space at Bless is available for our community. We are always happy to talk ideas about using our space so please do come and speak with us or email hello@blessstories.com
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Just 2 hours drive from East London the Bless Retreat is a light filled space with a seamless connection to nature. Views to the South look out over fields where at different times of year you can see hares, migrating geese and deer. To the North you can almost touch the sky and the row of Alders that frame the lakes and the forest beyond. Take local walks or bike rides from the house to the river, the forest or the lakeside. In the Summer months try waterskiing or wake boarding on the lake or take a dip in the near by River Nar. Relax and dine alfresco on the sundeck with pickings from the herb garden. At night time gather around the fire pit, marvel at the star studded sky that feels a million miles away from urban life or cosy up to watch a film or read a book from our library.
If you love our style at Bless you will love our retreat. Gentle in soul and spirit all of our furnishings are sourced from sustainable and ethical Bless suppliers or are vintage treasures. The modernist inspired three bedroom house combines the simplicity of plywood and glass with the vibrancy of colour. Carefully chosen textiles and wall hangings include balinese dream catchers adorned with native British birds feathers from the nearby forest, beaded wall hangings made by the Masai for the social enterprise Sidai, lambs wool blankets from Giannina Capitani and a vintage moroccan Beldhi rug. The bathrooms are stocked with organic cotton harman towels and natural products from the Goodwash Company. Choose a book from our library of wellbeing and nature books and contemporary and lakeside inspired fiction. A collection of reference picture books for children have been chosen to enrich their escape and connection to nature. Incorporating a lakeside space the house has been used by our guests for yoga, sound healing, massage, creative writing and meditation, family escapes, solo and group retreats.
Yoga, sound healing, crafting, foraging, massage can all be arranged subject to availability.
To enquire about rates and availability contact hello@blessstories.com
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I love discovering brands that are aligned with our values at Bless especially when they capture something I am passionate about. Island life has always held some magic for me. For years my folks made the Hebrides their home. On a fine day there were daily flights on a small propellor plane but I always preferred to take the slow route home. A road trip always came with adventure and awe. It didn't seem to matter which season I was travelling in because the sail always had the same magical quality that took me into a deeply happy place. This was a journey like no other to a place that had won my heart and a place that my folks embraced with every ounce of their being. We walked on vast beaches, climbed down to hidden coves, tracked and silently watched otters. We took it back to basics and I loved every minute of it. We slept in our beach hut at the bottom of the garden where the sea met the rocky shore. This is where my family came together.
It takes one island lover to know another island lover. There is an unspoken appreciation and knowing about island life. Island lover Mary Macgregor founded her fair isle inspired knitwear label BAKKA that she named after her croft on the Shetland Islands. Taking traditional influences Mary blends heritage with quality and craftsmanship to design modern unisex pieces from her island croft Bakka. Made in the worlds finest 100% superfine merino and hand finished in Mary's croft the quality of each piece is exquisite.
As soon as BAKKA's collection arrived we took off to Hackney Marshes to shoot a menswear story with photographer Jules Rogers and our very own Marvin Chillan.
Shop the BAKKA collection.
Photography Jules Rogers
Styling Ashlyn Gibson
Model Marvin Chillan
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Over 10 years ago my partner and I embarked on a mission to find a space where we could live, work and play. It was an exciting journey but one that took many disappointing turns with dead ends and hurdles all over place. Finally it came together and we were days away from exchanging on our dream warehouse in Bethnal Green. The biggest hurdle was just around the corner - out of the blue I I needed calm and the familiar surroundings of our family home that I loved. Timing is everything.
Fast forward 2 years and the dream that we had didn't disappear. Instead it began to fire up my imagination again. That is when we discovered the place we are lucky enough call home. It was a huge renovation project that is full of influences from our travels. The whole place was taken back to the brick and the roof was taken off to allow an extra floor to be built. A two storey wooden cabin built from reclaimed timber sat at the top of our spiral staircase. It created cosy sleeping quarters and a roof deck. The ground floor kept its industrial heritage with a blend of rustic and Japanese style. Working with artisans we designed a fireplace that we call our 'ravens wing' made from blackened steel. A rum shack doubles up as a teen bunk house, a bar and a study space.
The Clapton Laundry has been used in films, documentaries, music videos and photo shoots. It has been home to circus performances, events and some great parties.
Bless Suppers, a new project that is in the making, will take place here!
Tickets to our Christmas Bless Supper on 11th December 2021 will be released soon.
Photography Penny Wincer
Styling Ashlyn Gibson
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ASHLYN'S TRAVELS TO MOROCCO
I first discovered the wonders of Argan oil at a women's cooperative in Esouaria when we were on holiday in Morocco. We bought some supplies home with us that we used daily until they ran dry. My favourite use was as a deep treatment for my hair. My daughter Olive discovered that it worked a treat as a skincare treatment after she had her first tattoo. We used the culinary version simply as a dip for sough dough bread or to drizzle on salad. It had become a family favourite wrapped up with memories of our travels.
ARGANIC OIL COLLECTION
Keeping things simple there is one oil for cosmetic use and one for culinary use.
Cosmetic Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E with cell-rebuilding properties, is a natural and effective treatment for dry skin, fine lines & wrinkles, stretch marks & scars, eczema & psoriasis, and it conditions and strengthens the hair and nails.
Culinary Argan Oil has an unmistakable sophisticated nutty flavour that makes it a perfect dipping oil, used in a salad dressing, on porridge mixed with honey, on grilled or steamed vegetables and seafood, and on rice, pasta, and grains. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, antioxidants, and good fats. It has been scientifically proven to regulate blood sugar levels, lower bad cholesterol, strengthen the immune system and aid digestion. For optimal health benefits take 1-2 tablespoons a day either directly or enjoy in your meals.
Growing up is our business and that is why Bless is a shop for soul seekers and conscious beings.
Photo Jules Rogers
Styling Ashlyn Gibson
Wearing Komal I Dilli Grey, Tryfan I Mabli, Mila Shirt I Dilli Grey
On location at the Bless Retreat in West Norfolk
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