Moving Tiny Objects Around
Bad Art Club Archives Vol. 2 | "Mosaics"
Over 60 people entered the Bad Art Club portal this week, and while everyone made it out alive, their old identities and limiting beliefs certainly did not.
I admit that I make some assumptions about the people who show up to make bad art with a bunch of strangers on a Monday night.
I assume that they are:
Open, curious and willing to try something new
Desiring real connection with themselves and with others
Tired of the patterns that plague the default world
Ready for something inside themselves to transform
And I shamelessly stand behind the truth of these assumptions because time and time again, Bad Art Club proves to be a pattern-breaking playground for adults to turn into kids again.
Here’s what went down this past Monday night:
The Warm-Up
As people arrived, they each picked out a tiny object to hold on to, not knowing how significant it would soon become to them…
We meditated with our tiny objects, noticing their weight, texture and shape. We noted what felt pleasant, unpleasant or otherwise interesting as we moved them around in the palms of our hands. We thought of what qualities we care about having more of in our lives (trust, love, compassion, etc), and we infused our tiny objects with meaning.
Then we introduced ourselves and, more importantly, we introduced our tiny objects. We shared their made-up names and fun facts about them (sprinkling in a touch of bad improv to activate the spirit of nonsense).
By that point, it’s safe to say that attachments to inanimate objects were beginning to form. What was once a rubber duck was now a beacon of Hope and Love. It was obviously time to lock in the relationship with a slow dance to Etta James’ “At Last” with, you guessed it, our tiny objects. How romantic!
Once we were fully present in our bodies and felt belonging and safety within the group, there was a plot twist. Participants were invited to offer their now-sentimental object as a gift to a new friend.
This opened a playground for consent where participants got to sense what “yes”, “no” and “maybe” feels like in their bodies, and were encouraged to communicate honestly. We all practiced saying (and shouting) “NO!”, so that we could all trust each other’s “YES” throughout the rest of the experience.
Turns out, that two-letter word is a tiny yet mighty key to freedom.
The Main Event
The Creative Brief: Cut out your own cardboard canvas, collect whatever tiny objects you’re drawn to, and construct a mosaic that breaks all of the rules.
* Collaboration encouraged and not required.
What Happened: A group of friends made a “pocket purse” and collected all sorts of tiny objects from participants, asking for anything they wanted to contribute from their purses and pockets. The canvas filled up with a hot sauce packet, a tampon, some lactaid, pennies, and other useful treasures.
One participant made a ferris wheel out of clothespins that spun on her index finger, and went around asking people if they wanted a ticket to ride. If they said yes, she handed them a paper ticket and had them clip it in to whatever seat (aka clothespin) they wanted. Then she asked, “Fast or slow?” and many learned the fun way that “fast” meant spinning off into space and going for a real ride.
People made fashion jewelry, 3D sculptures, and so much more.
And yes, one person (of 60!) made a piece of art that actually passes for a real mosaic. Thanks to her for holding it down for the rest of us!
The Integration
My favorite part of the Bad Art Club ritual is gathering at the end to listen to peoples’ experiences, witness their creations and celebrate together. The energy of the group is warm, connected, light, comfortable and present.
Some people share words, others share a sound or movement. Some speak from their seats, others stand up and move around the space. There’s show-and-tell, show-no-tell, and tell-no-show. People share what’s real for them and get to have the experience of being met with true presence, acceptance and positive regard from the group.
We sing Happy Birthday to those celebrating (and not the boring version) and we celebrate the impact that we’ve had on ourselves, each other and the rest of the world by spending three full hours focusing purely on play, creativity and connection.
It’s the absolute best.
This is the second entry in the Bad Art Club Archives, which means we made it past the first. Hoorah!
Bad Art Club is a the place to be on Monday nights if you want to be around real good people having a real good time. It’s wholesome, relaxed, inspiring and extraordinarily welcoming. You’re already a part of the club and we can’t wait to meet you if you’ve still yet to come.
So join us and let’s f*ck it all up and get more free, together.
With love,
Julianne
Founder, Bad Art Club