Clunk & Jam Second Edition Book (with content from the Black Dog Blog) and 6 new Card Collections are available on-line and in store at Fremantle Art Centre Found. See other Stockists here.
Black Dog doesn’t receive funding. It is proudly independent, home based and grown through kindness and community spirit. All content is freely available on this website. If you’d like to support the Project, know that dollars from book and card sales really help. Otherwise, please just let others know about it …
6 New Card Collections ….the socially shy Robin Small (pictured). Amelia Bloom, dreaming up a better world. Rose, the wise mould breaker (below). Boots the Clown making worry disappear. 21 Friends holding big feelings. And the new Sweet Pea, a personal power generator. $22/Pack Fremantle Art Centre Found. Collab Fremantle Markets.
Each pack of cards has five common cards (below) to share with others – including the 2024 hand carved and printed Black Dog by Joelie Russell.
WHY NO SOCIA MEDIA?: Black Dog does not use social media as a method of sharing because of the current research on the damage it is having on the lives, minds and mental health of young peo0ple. It is also not a ‘safe’ realm for sharing. A personal, behind the scenes view of Black Dog can be seen here @browneink. For the latest information and research on the topic of social media see/read the work of Johnathon Haidt.
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.
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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).
And the Little Engine said; “I think I can. I think I can.”
‘The Little Engine That Could’ is a folktale originating from 1906 used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work. The underlying theme is a stranded train unable to find an engine willing to take it on over the difficult terrain to its destination. Only the little blue engine is willing to try and, while repeating the ‘I think I can’ mantra, overcomes a seemingly impossible task.
A good story to ride on when things seem impossible. And a reminder of the importance of little blue engines in life.
BOy Series, 2009. Similar posts in BOY Topic in Blog & featured in Clunk & Jam book. Reposted from June 2021.
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.
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