Stories
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.)
Rose doesn’t give much away – but tells it like it is.
Rose is a great observer of reality. She has altering points of view about what she sees which she states clearly without any expectation of popularity, reply – or following. Rose’s preferred working and living environment is that of real and natural surrounds, beyond suburbia when possible or in her humble and slightly untidy home – with windows wide open. Long Live Rose. View previous Roses here.
(Wisdoms of Rose and Clunk & Jam 2019 books. Reposted from 2013).
Alice (from Wonderland) tells her Mad Hatter friend her Uncle told her to wish for 6 impossible things before breakfast. With this in her tiny pocket she slays the Jabberwocky and everyone lives happily ever after – and we may not, but let us vow not to be beaten by Jabberwockys and impossible things for that matter.
Boy wished for impossible things….
….adults grew up and stopped fighting.
Roads didn’t take their toll and the sky could breathe again.
Mother nature didn’t get so angry.
Homes were homes and goodnight’s were safe.
Morning brought back the good ol’ days.
He was invisible to the world and it to him – and tears were allowed to flow as freely as oil and concrete.
(Clunk & Jam book).
