Taking Arms
'Take Arms' we said as the mannequins were distributed amongst the Year 12 student body. Naked without identiy the mannequins were claimed by students with the task of expressing that which will give them the strength and protection needed as they undergo the battle that is life.
The mannequins nudity was confronting enough. Many students felt compelled to 'dress' them for the journey home. The idea of accompanying a naked mannequin revealed a host of inhibitions and vulnerabilities, vulnerabilities that must be shielded and protected if they are to survive in our world. The act of carrying a mannequin put them in the spotlight as fellow passengers looked on with curious puzzlement.
'Naked without identity!' Claiming the bodies and giving expression to that part of themselves that can endure the drought, the storms, the inevitable crisis, grief and loss is a fundamental step. Not since they rose to their feet and courageously took their first step will they have made such a plunge into a new world. Innocently they stand by the crossroad, ready to discover a new path - a path that leads within, to the world of the subconscious.
My own work, participating alongside others in just such a project, provided a personal milestone. Since undergoing this 'rite of passage' I have a renewed sense that my strength is sourced within a deep root system. I now know that my legs are well grounded, with roots tapping far enough within fertile soil for me to find the nutrients I need during the tough times. Discovering this was one of those defining moments. I am proud of the warrior who emerged as I took arms and created an Amazonian figure who now lives within my writing space. She is a source of inspiration!
You can join us and begin by brainstorming in your journal. Think about what you will do when you take the plunge and bring home a mannequin who, until armed, will remain naked without identity. How will you arm your mannequin to meet the challenges of life? How will you protect your creative spirit?
'Take Arms' we said as the mannequins were distributed amongst the Year 12 student body. Naked without identiy the mannequins were claimed by students with the task of expressing that which will give them the strength and protection needed as they undergo the battle that is life.
The mannequins nudity was confronting enough. Many students felt compelled to 'dress' them for the journey home. The idea of accompanying a naked mannequin revealed a host of inhibitions and vulnerabilities, vulnerabilities that must be shielded and protected if they are to survive in our world. The act of carrying a mannequin put them in the spotlight as fellow passengers looked on with curious puzzlement.
'Naked without identity!' Claiming the bodies and giving expression to that part of themselves that can endure the drought, the storms, the inevitable crisis, grief and loss is a fundamental step. Not since they rose to their feet and courageously took their first step will they have made such a plunge into a new world. Innocently they stand by the crossroad, ready to discover a new path - a path that leads within, to the world of the subconscious.
My own work, participating alongside others in just such a project, provided a personal milestone. Since undergoing this 'rite of passage' I have a renewed sense that my strength is sourced within a deep root system. I now know that my legs are well grounded, with roots tapping far enough within fertile soil for me to find the nutrients I need during the tough times. Discovering this was one of those defining moments. I am proud of the warrior who emerged as I took arms and created an Amazonian figure who now lives within my writing space. She is a source of inspiration!
You can join us and begin by brainstorming in your journal. Think about what you will do when you take the plunge and bring home a mannequin who, until armed, will remain naked without identity. How will you arm your mannequin to meet the challenges of life? How will you protect your creative spirit?
