Live Consciously……..Heal Artfully.

It’s hard to believe that so many modern conveniences like microwave ovens, packaged foods, cell phones, plastics, nonstick cookware and prescription medication are actually responsible for the decline of our health. It’s hard to believe that a child can bite into a piece of bread and suddenly be swept away into a bout of confusion, tantrums, skin rashes and discomfort. Many children with autism and allergies are drastically affected by chemical food additives, polluted air and water, and electromagnetic fields. But, what’s more? Many of them cannot even eat what the general public would consider to be food. Our children’s bodies are rejecting foods like wheat, milk, soy and corn because their inner-ecosystems have been destroyed, while we have been simultaneously filling our garbage dumps with toxic waste and genetically modifying commodity crops for the sake of cash. 
 

         We are changing things. We are recovering our bodies and clearing  our minds. Our children are breaking through as a result of non-toxic living.

Let’s take it a step further. Spread the word of recovery by creating pieces that reflect your unique journey.
 

Goals:

·        Use materials that are otherwise known as toxic (or have been toxic to your own family) like Teflon pans, prescription med bottles, plastics, electronics (and anything that represents the degeneration of our inner ecology and the foundation for autism and allergies) and turn it into beautiful artwork that people will enjoy.

·        Use only the toxic items which are in our own homes or have been donated for use in this project. This symbolizes detoxification of our homes. Use Non-toxic items (whenever possible) to bind together or
decorate the toxic items (example: paint with non toxic paint or
recycle newspaper to make paper mache).

·        Work on the project with members of your family; include
children and allow them to express themselves as much as possible. Make it a family or friend/community project that helps spread the word.

·        Bedrok is a growing community, which we are all a part of.  Each art piece should somehow reflect yours and your child's role in the Bedrok community and/or just be symbolic of who you and your child (children) are. So, you can create a tree out of stacked pots if you live in the country, or make animals out of glued Tupperware if your child loves the zoo. Just get really creative. Think about your journey on this diet and life (collages, paintings, mosaics, even photos or kids' drawings framed in home-made frames. I was also thinking of making some art out of toys that people bought Dougie that contain lead paint (Thomas trains). I also have a Finding Nemo table that has chipped paint, and I might do a mosaic on it with other toxic stuff, like my plastic cooking utensils.

·        Collages are a very simple way to create beautiful art that is easy to show. You can create a collage by taking the "toxic" items and attaching them to a canvas, piece of wood, Styrofoam etc. You can still use paint, paper, crayons, clay etc. This idea came when I attempted to drill a hole in my Teflon pot -- not so easy. If your project can somehow be hung on a wall, I think that it will be much easier to show or put on display. But I don't want to discourage anyone who wants to create functional art (chairs planters etc) I like doing this too. I appreciate any contribution you wish to make.

·        For me, the idea of this project means that we can create
joy out of seemingly negative situations. We are helping our kids
express themselves through art. We at bringing attention to the fact that the way we have chosen to live in the last 100 years or so, has greatly contributed to the degeneration of our health. We are calling attention to the many stages and faces of autism and related issues. We are showing that people from across the world can work together for a cure, and for change in lifestyle. We are symbolizing a new definition of community and new needs (since we met on the internet etc). And, to top it off we are becoming one step closer to clean conscious living while making pretty, fun stuff. Wow, that sounds cool to me.

I'd like for whoever is interested in contributing to please e-mail me at ginalaverde@hotmail.com. Please include your name, location and any other ideas you’d like to share for the project.

Please take pictures of your process and finished project and please share them with us on the message board.