Features / music
Joanie Bones on giving a voice to taboo subjects
Artist Joanie Bones’ newest project, The Elephant in the Womb, was written in response to seeing women’s bodies and choices being disrespected in medical settings.
She will soon be bringing the project to Bristol for what will be her first ever performance in the city.
The Elephant in the Womb is a collection of songs and live performances giving voice to women’s silences
Why Bristol? Joanie said: “There’s an active contemporary traditional music scene in Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
“A trad band I loved was playing there a while back, so I came to visit.
“It was fascinating to me, how many people were there, soaking it up and loving the traditional music. Bristol is really the place to be! I’m really excited to play there.”
As a queer singer, platforming diverse voices are particularly important to her.
Joanie explained: “We are at a time with so many prominent, especially female, queer artists. It’s really exciting to be getting our voices heard. We’re in a time of solidarity, where no one needs to feel like they’re isolated or alone.”
A personal exploration of womanhood
Joanie’s project arose from years of her own journey exploring her gender identity and womanhood. For a long time, she didn’t feel she belonged in the box of ‘female’.
Over the years, she tried studying feminism, attending women’s groups and even becoming a midwife to try to understand a gender that felt foreign to her.
After years of exploring, Joanie realised she could define womanhood by herself – she didn’t need to fit into anyone else’s box.
Creating a lasting community
Joanie doesn’t just sing to audiences – her performances are ‘live gig experiences’.
One of her music videos features statements made by women in answer to the question: ‘What do you not talk about?’
The responses have now become part of her regular performances, with bunting with the women’s answers often draped around the room as audiences watch the show.
One of many answers to the question, ‘What do you not talk about?’
These live gigs are a mix of singalong and reflective activities. All genders are welcome and participation is entirely optional.
Her song subjects range from self-compassion and menstruation, through to childlessness, eating disorders and infant loss.
She hopes her shows will help provide solace and comfort around these often difficult issues.
She said: “Sometimes art itself is not enough to bring a change in people’s lives. We can go to see live music, and have a beautiful experience, but that might be a one-night thing. I’m calling it a live gig experience because it’s a mix between a gig and a workshop.”
Joanie has spent years studying trauma-informed approaches and has worked to try and be as sensitive and responsible as possible when handling taboo subjects.
Her shows are always followed by a discussion and additional work has been done to develop group facilitation, group circles and peer support.
Joanie intends to create a community that lasts beyond the gig.
Joanie said: “Music is a great place to start to create these links. But I wanted to build a longer lasting network.”
The Elephant in the Womb live gig experience will be on March 25 at the Gasworks Studio. All genders are welcome. Doors will open at 6.30pm. The gig will be from 7 to 9pm, with a post-show discussion from 9 to 9.45pm. Tickets can be purchased here. To read more about Joanie’s work, visit her website.
All photos: Joanie Bones
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