Uterine Kin

A participatory event accompanying “My Wandering Uterus” Photofringe show exploring climate change via somatic & creative practice My recent hysterectomy has provided a distinct line of connection to extraction and losses to our living world, its’ fertility and continuity. I’ve been exploring the shape/form my womb might take as it ‘wanders’ through somatic processes and natural landscapes to seek a landing place whilst also referencing historical notions of the ‘wandering uterus’. Living through a summer of extreme heat brought up climate grief for me and admittedly a sense of personal collapse, I’m beginning now to feel into how I might act. And noting where in my body the compulsion to act may come from. I invite you to join me in this quest for what’s next and where/how we might locate this in our bodies, our environs, our communities. We will start with a brief sharing of my work, I’ll lead you in a somatic practice (involving scent or taste) followed by some alone time for creative practise. We will then engage in pairs for a body interview, see what might be gestating. As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner my job is to ask a persons body to speak, as an artist it’s to show what it has to say. So in this space we will explore what your womb (real or imaginary) has to say, a uterine “show n tell” via somatic practice and creative prompts. My intention is for this to be a playful and generative space to feel and imagine into what is possible for us as creative humans with what agency we do have within this polycrisis. Within a culture of extraction what do we want to birth, to nurture or incubate? All genders and gender expressions are welcome here: womb or no womb. Practicalities and access I have chosen this space for it’s resonance and history, its proximity to a train station. It is not perfect for all bodies. Terrain is largely flat and uneven in parts, and there are some steps and gentle slopes. You can access all areas without using steps however. The priory is a public outdoor space with all the unpredictability that brings. I’m offering this as a testing ground for future iterations so I invite feedback after the event. And as such I'm offering this event via donation. Please bring something to sit on and weather appropriate clothing as we will be on the grass. And if you stay til late this first dark eve you can hang out with the many bats! We’ll meet at Prospect Tower which is near the Cockshut Road entrance at 2.30pm then will move into the ruins. This event is part of Brighton Photofringe and accompanies “My Wandering Uterus” online exhibition https://photofringe.org/festival/2026/exhibition/my-wandering-uterus/ About me I’m a visual, live and participatory artist and a Somatic Experiencing (SE) Practitioner. I make work to encourage caring for and honouring the living world and ourselves by simultaneously tuning into nature and our internal landscapes (bodily and physiological responses) via the senses. I run participatory workshops combining ecotherapy, art and SE principals. Please come and find me @interpl8 on Instagram and www.clareplumley.co.uk