This morning, I had a meeting with Sammy Murphy, the founder of Pier Journal and creative director of Studio Glass. She is a beautiful soul and very talented graphic designer.
While we were chatting, I noticed a piece of artwork by Jenny Tarr sitting on her shelf.
To which Sammy responded, “that’s actually, for you.”
She went on to explain it was part of an ongoing project Jenny began back in May. Each week, the artwork finds a new home. Gifted in appreciation, in recognition, and in solidarity. I was so touched. What a clever and beautiful way to honour women. To say, I see you. I value you.
So, what’s the story behind the crab?
Jenny was inspired by Florence Given’s book, ‘Women Living Deliciously‘, where she draws on the metaphor of “crabs in a bucket.” When Crabs are put in a bucket, they often pull each other down. Not out of intent or malice, but as a result of behaviours shaped by survival instinct. This behaviour is commonly referred to as, “crab mentality,” where members of a group undermine each other’s progress or success.
Florence uses this metaphor to explore how women, shaped by patriarchal conditioning, are often taught to play small. To compete, to compare, and to criticise rather than uplift. We can be made to feel that success is limited. That beauty, talent, creativity, and confidence are finite. And someone else’s light somehow dims our own. Jenny’s artwork flips this narrative. Her crab is a symbol of stepping out of the system, of choosing a different path, one of freedom, connection, and celebration.
As Jenny says herself, it’s “a symbol of choosing freedom. Of lifting, not limiting.”
I love that. And I feel it deeply.
Yes, women can be competitive, and that is not a bad characteristic at all. When it’s healthy and grounded in respect. Competition can fuel creativity, drives ambition, and sharpens our sense of self. But it is important to be mindful, is our competition lifting us — and others — up, or pulling someone down along the way?
At Vivre Retreats, this message sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe in connection, collaboration, and creativity. When we lift each other up, we all rise higher.
Art, like this crab, has a way of saying what words can’t. It reminds us to pause. To reflect. To ask ourselves:
· Could I be holding someone down, when I could be reaching out a hand instead?
· Where could I offer myself encouragement, rather than criticism?
· What would it feel like to step out of the bucket — and trust myself?
· What would it look like if we all stepped out of the bucket, together?
I’ll be proudly displaying this beautiful crab until it’s time to pass it on. And when I do, I’ll do so with the same intention: to honour, to celebrate, and to support the incredible women around me.
With love,
Sacha x
Spotlight in Dorset
Obviously Jenny Tarr is our spotlight artist this week!
Her work is full of depth, energy, and heart — from her symbolic crabs 😉 to striking portraits, landscapes, and large-scale murals. She brings such beauty and meaning to everything she creates.
Recommended read of the week:
Founded by the lovely Sammy, the pier journal is a volunteer-led, independent platform that celebrates Dorset’s vibrant creative culture. Through honest storytelling across print, digital, and events, we connect our audience with the very best of local life along the South Coast.
Podcast Recommendation
If you’re looking to listen to Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given, here’s where you can find it. Florence narrates directly, which adds authenticity and intimacy to powerful ideas about joy and agency. It’s a nurturing listen, perfect for thoughtful walks or quiet moments.
My go-to podcast for all things women’s health — Dr. Mindy Pelz always delivers practical wisdom, backed by science and experience.
This recent episode on fuelling a healthy mind is a fascinating listen. Covering ketones, fasting, and the chemistry behind better brain function. Highly recommend if you’re curious about how what we eat (and when we eat) affects how we think, feel, and focus.