Our knolling project with volunteers has proved to be a great way of getting to know more about the different motivations for people investing their time in Shared Interest.
Volunteer Engagement Manager, Sally Seddon said: “The idea started out as a creative way to mark 30 years of Shared Interest. Our network of volunteers is spread right across the UK, and this was a way of uniting everyone with a project that can be carried out from the comfort of your own home. Little did we know how much time we would be spending at home just after the project began.
“We had planned to display a selection of these submissions at our member events, which have been postponed until further notice as the UK currently remains in lockdown. However, we can share them virtually so people can see which elements of Shared Interest, and fair trade, inspires our volunteers most.
“We chose the knolling style for this project as it provides a simple way of organising and recording items. “
Usually used by photographers to show a selection or related objects, knolling or flat lay images provide a birds-eye view. Here, volunteer, Gosia Markiewicz from London explains why she photographed her selection of items below. She said: “My photograph shows a Panama hat made by local artisans from Montecristo, Ecuador, and necklaces made respectively by indigenous communities in Ecuadorian Andes and Columbia.
“All of these items remind me of the people behind them and their stories. They were bought before I joined Shared Interest, however they make me think how much difference can be made by supporting local communities.”
