The GIFTS project was inspired by a naming day gift for Clare’s eldest son in 1989. A box containing eight objects that were traditionally given in England, to welcome a new child into the world: egg for life, coal for heat, evergreen for eternity, salt for health, candle for light, bread for food, coin for wealth and a silver ring for love throughout life.
From 2005-2015, using gift economy, Clare revealed each object in its utopian state, in collaboration with leading artists, musicians and poets, re-energising the meaning and cultural significance of gift-giving. The film is an interpretation of these eight events, bringing together English traditions of ritual and landscape.