Welcome to ‘Legacy’ – A toolkit for life
My name is Samantha Devine, photographer and biographical storyteller.
I have developed a toolkit for researching, collating and developing personalised, handcrafted, life story books. The toolkit is called ‘Legacy’.
Why develop a life story?
When memories start to fade with dementia or age it can be upsetting to both the affected individual and family. Illness can sweep a loved one away as we knew them, sometimes overnight, leaving us unprepared. Because time waits for no one the time we think we had available we do not.
Years of research have told me that asking those all important questions to loved ones might seem difficult but can be incredibly rewarding if done correctly. I will give you the tools to not only create a legacy book but do it beautifully.
Keeping our unique stories alive through sharing is something we can all enjoy, for ourselves and others. They reflect our identity and offer a record that tells much about who we are. Later on our journey telling those familiar stories also brings back a tangible connection with the person that was, it recaptures time and again how special and unique they were.
Legacy is a toolkit for talking about and capturing your life story or that of someone close to you.
Because every life story offers a powerful insight, they enable understanding on things that may not be instantly apparent, such as a dislike of a certain food or appreciated music. Each combination is unique for every person.
Handcrafted Legacy books are also practical and useful in a care setting. They can be viewed by carers and health professionals or they can be talked through with family and friends.
Legacy has been specifically designed to produce an interesting and beautiful artefact that is easily accessible. Each book is very visual in nature and these images say far more than words alone ever could. They tell the story in deeply personal way.
When time is precious and we want the best record and understanding for our loved one, this is a gift.
Gathering the story:
I have developed a system for gathering life stories which uses Legacy conversation cards (Patent Pending). What is wonderful about them is that they enable a very sensitive method of talking about life events. They are none intrusive, respectful and allow room for personal choice and privacy. One can talk as much or as little as they like and nothing is committed in stone. Family members can also contribute if they wish. Either way the entire process is non prescriptive but still gives a wonderful insight. In order to understand this more take a look at my page on ‘sharing stories’.
The artistry of Legacy:
Every ‘Legacy‘ book is completely unique and designed entirely around the person it is for, even down to materials and style. Handmade means just that, using the best quality leathers, or other materials. Below are images of handcrafted “Rocky’s Legacy“.
If you are interested in exploring the options for telling your life story, or that of a loved one, please send a contact request or call Samantha on 0773 6501846.
For more information on Samantha click here.
All images are copyright Samantha J Devine. (which means explicit permission only before use).
