When I began this project, it was really a means for me to create Tiny Talisman's to share with my community for the good feeling it brought me and hopefully the finders. It was originally anonymous but after realizing it would be fun to witness the journey in the pay it forward idea behind them, I numbered them hoping people would log on to the fb page I created for the project (R-evol-u-tion) and share the number on the Talisman they found and we would be able to follow where they ended up. Needless to say I had to moderate the page, so no longer anonymous if people logged on. After many questions regarding how to and 'the rules' (there are none) I filmed a short video on my Iphone to explain the basics of the project and posted it on the page. No time to be shy.
The entire project has been a steep learning curve. I have found many have not logged on to share finds although many have shared what they are creating to share in the same fashion in their own neighborhoods.
I am not sure why people have not logged on with their finds but imagine it may be in part to social media cynicism. I understand not everyone may have access too but in this world of Iphones, some form of connection is usually available, so that has been interesting. It was never the focus of leaving the Talisman so it doesn't detract from the original intent, but it is a layer that doesn't get recognized as I thought it might.
On the other hand the 'seeding' part of the project has grown much more quickly than I would have even hoped and I see a lot of value in that, as it means others are taking the time to create something with the intent for leaving it for another who may not even be known to them.
No boundaries there, just one heart gifting another. I have really enjoyed people sharing their unique expressions with us on the fb page. A moment spent creating is truly a treasure. It is such an easy way to access your inner self and creates space for a few moments in the midst of busy schedules to do something quite simple and rewarding. Such a wonderful activity to do with children too, who are often less shy about committing marks on paper than adults who worry more about perfection, as usual the young have much to teach us!
This Talisman was left in Dallas, Texas last week to surprise someone on a night out!
We have a number of artists in Dallas, Texas creating and leaving Talisman and an artist in Michigan making beautiful works to share, a local writer has been writing notes to give to people she meets in her daily travels breaking down barriers and spreading light as her own expression of love. Of course not all whom are making Talisman are artists but of course it is appealing to those who already create and hopefully inspiring to those who don't normally make things with their hands.
The local paper received an email about the project from a neighbor and followed up with an article which perhaps inspired some to get on board and begin creating their own Talisman too which is wonderful and possibly helped dispel some cynicism regarding the social media platforms, designed to further support sharing of the many layers this project offers for a feeling of community.
Rose Locricchio from Michigan shared her creations on the R-evol-u-tion fb page with us!
The Talisman are gifts, there is nothing to purchase in this project although there is a wealth of good feeling that is generated. That's the currency I am interested in!
There have been some larger groups who are undertaking Talisman making projects of their own now too. This makes me very excited.
An Elementary school in Melbourne, Australia is having a Talisman making day for their students, so they can spread the joy in their own neighborhoods. I love this so much, in fact reading the Principle's post brought tears of gratitude and joy! (What lucky kids to have such an awesome and creatively minded Principle!)
It is amazing to think that each of these children will play a part in widening the reach of the project to the other side of the world. I hope they enjoy every aspect of it from creating to the good feeling of leaving their pieces somewhere, not to mention the goodwill created when someone comes across one on their travels.
Other community groups are looking at ways in which to use the idea to compliment their own purposes in the future, which I truly look forward to witnessing. I imagine the tendrils of this project will travel widely over time, already a number of US States have people sharing what they have made or plan to do in coming months.
I personally plan to continue making my Talisman alongside of my arts practice daily and seeding them in the community as weather allows. We have had two months of intense rain in California, which is most welcome but not ideal for leaving little artworks out in nature. I have left a number in unusual places undercover lately! So keep your eyes peeled in cafe's, bus shelters and even restrooms. :)
Cheers for now, keep sharing the love!