Art exhibition reflects tragedy of baby loss

The exhibition is on from 1-11 May at the Creative Innovation Centre CIC in Taunton

The theme of baby loss has been reflected in art and poetry as part of an exhibition in Taunton.

"Baby Loss: An Artists Perspective" is an exhibition at the Creative Innovation Centre and features textile art alongside poems that inspired them.

Mel Scott wrote the poems after the stillbirth of her son Finlay and her friend Sarah Jae Hargreaves turned them into art.

"Some of the poems still make me cry," Ms Scott told BBC Radio Somerset.

The art is inspired by poems Ms Scott wrote about her experience of baby loss

She added: "Taking the first steps to reading a poem to an audience was really exciting.

"People said it brought back memories for them. It brought them comfort to know other people have experienced what they're experiencing.

"It's taken a long time to be comfortable with sharing poetry about my loss.

"Some of the poems bring up tears. But I'm really enjoying the process."

Ms Hargreaves added: "I've been friends with Mel throughout the process and difficulties she experienced.

"We both now have 13 year old children. They've grown up together so there's always been a close connection between us."

As part of Ms Hargreaves degree, she had to collaborate with an artist and decided to work with Ms Scott.

"I always wanted in some way to support Mel and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so," she said.

'Journey through art'

"It's been a wonderful journey. Seeing my artwork up and on display is fantastic.

"Hopefully I've illustrated Mel's poetry in a way people can relate to."

Ms Scott added that it was "quite a risk" to give her poetry to someone else without knowing what they might create.

"It's been so interesting to see the words and the phrases she's picked out," she said.

"She's really captured the hope and the beauty and some of the joy, which sounds strange because it's an exhibition about death.

"But she's managed to create a journey through the art work that's beautiful and is not just the devastation I've experienced."

The exhibition is on from 1-11 May at the Creative Innovation Centre CIC in Taunton.