‘A Body of Work’: New Stirchley Exhibition Explores Women’s Health Through Recycled Printmaking

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 on Friday 9 October.

‘A Body of Work’ by Lorraine Loveland-Armour 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 says, “Too often, people as patients feel dismissed by health professionals. Consequently, there is a risk that we dismiss ourselves from pursuing a deeper understanding of our health and our bodies.” 

“Whilst ‘A Body of Work’ represents some aspects of my personal health journey, my hope is that it might invite viewers to reflect on the women in their lives and their own wellbeing. My aim is for people to talk about their health more openly and to break down some of the barriers when we talk about our bodies with health professionals.”

“My wish is that people see the beauty and curiosity that stems from looking closer at our bodies and this raises questions, results in shared stories and possibly inspires more women to create their own artistic health history.”

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. 

​More information and images can be found on the artist’s blog.  

Exhibition dates: 9 October–21 November 2026
Opening event: Friday 9 October, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Admission: Free
Opening hours: During Stirchley Library opening hours and Stirchley Art Room sessions

RELATED EVENT
Tetrapak Printing Workshop
Sunday 22 November, 2–5 pm
Stirchley Library
£10 including materials
Booking: https://buytickets.at/stirchleyartroomcic/2450226