Our first round of Forge Forums took place this past Tuesday evening. We had several new Youth Ambassadors step forward, along with incredibly thoughtful contributions from local teens who shared what they need most from a space like this. Their insights are already shaping foundational decisions around workshop structure, accessibility, and what the future “home” of The Forge should feel like.

Thursday evening The Forge Institute was officially incorporated and is now formally recognised as an incorporated Not-for-Profit association.  

This week has been tough.  With the Ceremony over the emptiness of the week takes over the insanity of the two weeks of relentless days balancing grief, organisation, decisions, jobs etc.. and it's a big void.

Between the waves of grief and despair have been small windows of time where the endless torrent of requirements for organising Ivy's ceremony has consumed so much energy.  It does not help that being a designer means so many processes I make my own!

On Monday September 8th, the light of my life took her own.  She was 13. 

Ivy was loved so deeply by all those who were touched by her presence, and for good reason.  In her letter to me, she implored me to continue with my creative work, and while I want to be able to honour that - I am not sure that I can… at least not in any way I have previously.