Sometimes I Wish I Wasn’t Me .
This little soldier finally realised that being the fairest isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and looking up to stars can be dangerous – especially when they fall. And that ‘way up high’, ‘over the rainbow’ and ‘climbing the ladder’ are sometimes dangerous places to try and reach. And too far away to possibly get there on time.
Footnote: It’s such a competitive world. There’s a strong current drawing us up, up and away from who we are – or are comfortable and content being. Acceptance, popularity, success and fitting in, can feel so out of reach. It can feel impossible to meet the expectations of others. Until the question arises – what and who determines our worth? It’s also wise to question the notion that a sense of belonging exists somewhere outside ourselves. And that bigger and the better and more determines if we are – ‘enough’. It’s potentially a hothouse for discontent. Home? Home can be a building, a place, but it can also be a secure feeling within yourself.
The pumpkin? An alternative take on the Cinderella fairytale. Her tenacity and creativeness in getting to where she wants to be, independently – on her own terms. And being content riding in a pumpkin.
The feather? Perhaps a reminder to hold tight and true to our uniqueness, strengths and even strangeness, despite the world’s mirror reflecting back little to support diversity and difference.
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Sweet Pea is monumental despite smallness. Her expression, a reminder to keep an ‘arm around the shoulder’ of our little spirit, so we too can feel the comfort and the power of the collective ‘me’ – in all its forms and flaws and misadventures. Direct our lives from within (and before). All the while encompassing the full and blooming range of vital emotion that got us here.
Sweet Pea’s arrival story:
I’m on a swing between rage and exhilaration. Glad I have both or I’d be wrapped around a pole in chains. But I’m swinging high and riding through the back swing that has me face down in the dirt. Then legs swing through to the rescue. The sky opens and says;
‘Hello little spirit. Let go now Sweet Pea. You can fly …’
What if being different meant you’d never be alone again ?
Imagine…if those of us who felt different could be strengthened in our difference through the sharing of stories….which wouldn’t mean we’d all become the same ….but we might feel less alone in our difference….
(Art by Stormie Mills. ‘Clunk & Jam’ book – a collection of art and stories championing diversity and difference.) On-line and in shop Found, Fremantle Art Centre. Other stockists here.
This story (from 2009) reflects The Black Dog Project’s focus on the safety, well being and rights of children and young people – and the idea of making books and gifting them to young people in the community through sponsorship. Written long before the explosion of social media, the ‘Children were broken into. Things stolen.’ now also reflects the impact of Smartphones and social media on children and young people. Find this piece in Clunk & Jam book. Original story in handmade book, ‘Rock The Boat’, 2009. (Handwriting by Maggie).
Stories are at the center of everything. The most powerful and potentially debilitating being the ones inside our head. The stories we tell ourselves. The erosive stories we’ve been told. Stories formed from our experiences. That’s why it’s so vital we have access to and seek out alternative stories that give us strength and hope. Help us realise our full potential. Particularly our children and young people.
Not in a ‘Be wealthy and successful and famous’ way. But to be kind enough to ourselves that we can then go out into the world more securely and do good. Be a thriving, kind, compassionate and caring human being. But that starts from within.
The Army of Ink and all the characters are the carriers of stories full of strength, hope and possibility. They pitch an alternative to what we’re being told (and sold) through social media and popular culture.
They put a caring arm around our shoulder and keep us safe and strong. Encourage us to think and question what makes us who we are. Help us take back some control over our sense of self. Our lives. Our world. And our future …
Find The Army of Ink including Robin Small, Amelia Bloom and Rose and Boots and their stories across five parks in Melville. See Melville Storylines for information. Instagram @browneink.
Robin Small had great difficulty finding a way to share in a world so overly full – of consumption.
Footnote: Robin Small stands apprehensive within the modern world, but is wise and brave in his own life – and future of his own making. He’s a great friend to have if you’re quiet, sensitive and social uncomfortable.
Robin Small Card Collection 2025. Available online through the Fremantle Art Centre Found store.
