Fancy being part of a worldwide artistic event on Friday 21/12/12 spearheaded by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto?
We do. We think it's all a bit bonkers, and yet it also makes a lot of sense. So even though it's only a day away, we want to get involved. And we hope you do too.
So... we've come up with our very own bonus mums' activity: Rebirth Day, inspired by Michelangelo's idea of 'The Third Paradise' : a world where we all take responsibility for our actions so far (towards the environment, society, each other), and make it right. Which fits deliciously appropropriately with our theme this month: wishing for a better future.
Michelangelo is staging a day of action around the world on the 21st: Rebirth Day. Instead of concentrating our fears on Mayan beliefs that the world will end that day, he says:
Join the project online, with us!
So here's the plan. You need a child, some paint and a finger - and about five minutes. If your child is no longer with you or is far away, please use your own hand - we would still love you to be involved.
The symbol above represents Michelangelo's idea of The Third Paradise. It will be used in all of the art created on the 21st and the weeks following, bringing everyone's contribution together as a global artwork.
So naturally we're going to fingerpaint that very symbol on to our childrens' palms, and use their hands to capture a print of that sweet hopeful moment together. Of course. What else would we be doing...?!
Although the shape is different, the simple movement of making the shape on my children's palms reminds me of playing as I sing 'round and round the garden', that delicious anticipation leading up to a tickle and a burst of musical giggles.
It reminds me of fortune telling and the hopes and wishes I have for my child's future.
It's messy. It's hard to make the shape visible on a tiny palm. But it doesn't really matter what it looks like. It's the action that has meaning.
Because in this small action, we're making a connection between one generation and another. We know our children, nurtured by us mothers, will be affected by the choices we make about how we all live together on this earth. Yet our children also represent hope, a new opportunity, rebirth (see what we're doing here...?).
Together we can make a difference. As we mother, we help our children to understand how we can change the world for the better. We show them that we can make good our mistakes. By being kind, brave, taking responsibility and facing difficult challenges, together.
By taking part in this simple five minute activity, we connect not just with the joy of our children and our creativity in that moment, but with a worldwide community who also want to make a difference.
If you'd like to get deeper into Michelangelo's artistic vision, here's his thoughts about the symbol itself:
Well we know all about wombs.
And we are creative.
And we know that as mums, we make a difference.
So let's give it a go and join in.
Here's my first attempt. And I kind of like it!
No matter what age your child is - give it a go. Let's add some mum-voices to this global day of action. And some beautiful childrens' hope.
AND... you can even join the project in real life:
If you're in Cornwall and pregnant, and fancy being featured in Michelangelo's big exhibition at the Louvre in Paris next year, artist Emilia Telese is looking for 21 pregnant mums to be photographed for 'Life Starts at Lands End' at Lands End from 1-3pm on 13 January 2013.
Not only could you be featured in Paris's most famous gallery complete with glass pyramid... there will be cake.
More information to follow very soon.
