Stories
Footnote: Not everyone is confident socially. And if you’re someone who is comfortable in their own company, often others aren’t comfortable with that. And a lot of kids get bullied because they don’t fit in too. The ultimate place to get to perhaps if you’re a ‘Bags the back seat’ person is being quietly confident, solidly grounded in your own place – despite the reactions and views of those around us.
Society generally looks down on the ‘loner’ too. Those who are different, those who live in their own quiet company. And for those who like all the attention, there’s something unsettling, almost threatening, about the quiet observer—one who looks on. Doesn’t join in. This ‘Ink’ also raises questions about position and status. What comes to mind are things like, ‘working your way to the top’, ‘climbing the ladder’, ‘securing the lead role’, being ‘top of the class’, ‘first over the line’, ‘making it to the top’ and ‘rising star’. And you’ll have more of your own to add. But the back seat has it’s advantages, particularly the seat on the isle – at least have the freedom to get up and leave.
(Reposted from 2009. Originally in ‘Rock The Boat’ book, 2009. Now in Clunk & Jam book, 2019.)
Heroic Friendship .
A Super Hero heroic friend, is someone who drops in at precisely the right moment, taking you in, up and beyond yourself, with no need for detail or explanation – because they have no need to know.
A Super Hero heroic friend, is comfortable enough in pain and role to welcome you in your own, tenderly cradling your place in time – and leaving the threads alone.
A Super Hero heroic friend’s words not only catch and soothe but wrap around shoulders made soft and light – as you lap long in the lingering warmth.
A Super Hero heroic friend, hovers quiet and long and never really leaves even when you go. Is solid enough to carry you with no show of strain – remaining loyal throughout your endless cause.
(Reposted from 2012. Picture from ‘Coles Funny Picture Book’. Find in Clunk & Jam book.)
I dance and spin in my lovely new dress. When I turn to smile, I see empty seats. Now I rise up on tippy toes to see where they don’t want me to go. Touch the sky without a hand. Dance wrapped in velvet. Curtsy to no applause .
Footnote: this ink has many layers but essentially it’s about the need for approval. Allowing others to define who we are. And who we are being defined by another’s definition of success, value or worth. It also speaks of oppression. Serves as a reminder to hold tight to self belief. And it reveals the often undetected partner in oppression. One where silence and inaction deliver equally powerful and crushing messages of disapproval. Ultimately, it suggests that striving to be independent and self reliant may reward us with a far greater sense of achievement, and sense of self, than being who others would like us to be – endlessly performing.
See also, ‘Bags The Back Seat’, ‘Rock Star’.
(Reposted from 2009. Originally in ‘Rock The Boat’ handmade book, 2009, handwriting by Mags. Now in Clunk & Jam book, 2019.)
To coincide with the opening of the Fremantle Art Centre Print Award, Thursday 13th September at 6.30pm, I’ll be doing an installation in the glass cabinet outside FOUND gift store at FAC. Books and dry-point prints will be available in FOUND and the new book, ‘Wisdoms of Rose’. Pop down on Saturday afternoon the 15th at 1pm and join me for a relaxed Artist Talk about how the collection evolved through underground publishing ethos of The Black Dog Project and the creative process of making both the handmade and published books.
The typewriter Clunk & Jam book was typed on. Also pictured, dry point prints printed on the Fremantle Art Centre old printing press. Handmade and published books.
Handmade books.
Rock The Boat .
Rock, rock, rock the boat hear the grownups scream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily – now we’re heard and seen.
This little soldier tells the story of speaking up and sticking up for herself rather than keeping quiet, conforming – not rocking the boat. Maybe she’s always avoided rocking the boat because it was easier to just keep the peace, continue being whoever everyone expected and wanted her to be. Now I think she’s ready to break away from ‘how it’s always been’. Experience has taught her that things might get rough but she’s well equipped to stay afloat. I’m not certain where she’s going? Maybe she’ll dive down into the depths of her nautical soul. Or bob around in the sea pondering her fate. Do a spot of synchronized swimming. Paddle to shore and bask on a sunlit island for one. And maybe the plank she’d always been made to walk for the trouble she caused is now a diving board from which she can launch herself into the unknown – the sea of possibility. To be continued no doubt ….
(Reposted from 2009. Originally in ‘Rock The Boat’ handmade book. Now in Clunk & Jam book, 2019)
You Can’t Have My Cake – And Eat It Too .
Finally she’s digging her heels in. Putting herself first. Not dishing up more and more of herself to be swallowed up by those who want a piece of her. And the candle that were once the lighthouse to her fragile soul are all burnt out. Now she celebrates (alone again), licking her fingers in sweet delight.
Footnote: This ‘Ink’ arose from the question: “Why do we place the needs of others above our own?”(Originally from the handmade book, ‘Rock The Boat’ book. Handwriting by Mags. Reposted from 2012. She now appears in Clunk & Jam book, 2019.)
