An exhibition of prints exploring one woman's experience of illness, grief and recovery opens at Stirchley Library on Friday 9 October.

A Body of Work, by local artist Lorraine Loveland-Armour, uses recycled Tetrapak packaging to create intricate prints exploring women's health, identity and wellbeing.

The exhibition opens with a launch event at the Open Page Gallery from 6.30–8.30pm, and is an intensely personal journey that illustrates grief, trauma and illness but also recovery, hope and legacy.

Originally from California, Lorraine began documenting her medical milestones in collage and fountain pen inks before discovering Tetrapak printing at the Stirchley Art Club. Embracing a passion for sustainability, she uses recycled packaging to create intricate intaglio (etched) prints. For Lorraine, this accessible medium has become an important tool to reclaim her identity, refusing to let herself be defined merely by a series of diagnoses.

Lorraine was inspired to create a visual health history after losing both her parents and mother-in-law during the pandemic in 2020. Lorraine wanted to celebrate her mother’s long career as a nurse while ensuring that her own story was recorded to pass on to her son, Lukas.

Lorraine will also lead a Tetrapak printing workshop at Stirchley Library in November, allowing participants to explore the recycled-printmaking technique used in the exhibition.

The Open Page Gallery is free to visit during Stirchley Library opening hours. More info here: birmingham.gov.uk