From the Fragment to the Whole

From the Fragment to the Whole 3 (2019, ongoing)

A socially engaged art project exploring glass as a metaphor for surviving domestic abuse.

It takes an enormous amount of strength to rebuild one’s life after an abusive relationship. From the Fragment to the Whole celebrates this strength by inviting women survivors of domestic abuse to create art from fragments of glass. The resulting collection portrays stories of survival and resilience, using a material and a process that mirror the participants’ lived experience.

Founded in 2019 by Artist Roberta De Caro, the project delivers one-to-one and group workshops to survivors, offering a contemplative space where these stories are transformed into stunning artworks and exhibited in public venues and galleries.

This project is non-for-profit and is supported using the National Lottery funds through Arts Council England as well as donations from the public. Your contribution can ensure future funding for the ongoing continuation of this project.

Participating in this project has genuinely had a positive impact in the lives of the participants who reported feeling heard and validated through this process. The workshops open new ways of processing past experiences through making, leaving the participants empowered.

But don't just take my word for it ! Here are some testimonials from previous participants:

“I loved it! I would attend it again 100% During the workshop I challenged my fear of broken glass and I discovered that working with glass can be therapeutic. It makes me think of the strength I have obtained and continue to grow. It made me think of my experience of domestic abuse, of my journey of picking up the pieces and leaving trauma behind. The work demonstrates my resilience and I feel proud that it will be in an exhibition.”

Emily, November 2023

"When I got invited to participate in the project, my first thought was that it would be a cathartic and healing process, I wasn't wrong. The workshop came at a point in my life when I was finally ready to address the past. Even the title was fitting; I work every day to not feel broken, to feel whole again.

The entire process was pretty emotional and evocative, piecing back together the smashed glass, felt like it was me, what I'm doing, slowly piecing myself back together. The freedom to talk, be heard and understood was invaluable. The more I talk, the less the abuse is minimized, the less shame is felt, not just for me but all survivors. It's all part of the healing process.

A truly empowering experience."

Abigail, March 2022

‘Roberta’s workshop has been a great opportunity to transform traumas and pain into art, the medium of glass is an outstanding example of broken pieces of a shattered soul after abuse.

This workshop has been extremely therapeutic and meditative, as it has opened up so many deep, enlightening conversations with Roberta. Amazing experience, thank you Roberta!!

Denny, February 2021

Help us make a difference today !

Any donation will be much appreciated and it will enable us attract more funding to continue the project, positively impacting the lives of survivors, their families and communities.