first flag from Spain

I have been posting from Spain as a member of a group of artists called 'Roots'. However, the first Flag I can show you here was not made by a member of our group at all but by Montse Romagosa, a jewelry designer gone sculptor from Barcelona (230 kms from here). The beautiful photographs were taken by Àlvar Caixal.

Montse visits the area regularly, she has a house here in Beceite, and she liked the idea of the 2012 Project from the very beginning. She is a member of another group of artists called Land Art Associació Catalunya.

So her first contribution to the Flags for Peace Project is placed on the ground, on a piece of land. This piece of sculpture is not very large or heavy and she means to hang it in a public place for 21 September. I'd love it to be near the ten flags of our Group.

The piece is titled 'Peace and Freedom' and it is made with recycled materials, mainly iron and rope. The iron grid represents Freedom.

The same figure placed in a different location. I'm not sure where (I forgot to ask!) but the surroundings look a lot like anywhere around here.

'Peace and Freedom' resting on rows of roof tiles made of clay. I think it's a 'she'. What do you think?

P.S. Mary Jane, I thought this work would appeal to you, I hope it does!

Peace is everywhere

Whilst I say peace is everywhere it is truer to say that once one is conscious of symbols of peace one begins to see them more.

On our recent few days away I saw and captured the images below.

©2012 Barry Smith - A conscious message scratched on a mossy wall to hold back the sea

©2012 Barry Smith - Part of a poem on a pathway in a public park

©2012 Barry Smith - A very peace-filled carry bag?

©2012 Barry Smith - Peace bag in the window display

Just having these symbols about, including colourful and joyful retro bags, encourages one to reflect on the possibility of peace - at least subliminally.

Ripples from Maleny

Peace - found in ordinary things

As Fiona indicated in her recent post a few folk in Maleny Australia (Ken, Noela, Fiona and I) have taken up the invite of Mary Jane on this blog to create ripples for peace; and of course also create flags to mark International Peace day on 21 September 2012.

At this stage we have a few things in the pipeline including:

• inviting many more local artists to create peace flags, in whatever medium moves them, and fly them for the week of 17 September 2012 and particular the 21 September;
• share the flag planning, thinking, 'vibing', rippling and making process on this blog if they want to join as contributors;
• photograph the flags flying on 21 September so they might be included in some photographic peace promotion effort-medium;
• see if we can involve children who use our local library in the creation of a peace wall installation at the library; and 
• maybe hold a display in the library promoting peace in the week of peace week.

Peace Rainbow - between light and darkness

In our enthusiasm we thought that we might be able to involve the local quilt makers in the creation a large 3X2m peace wall quilt; alas they are fully committed this year; but are open to the idea for 2013. We also thought we could have a Peace Day in the park with various activities including the gathering of flags; making of button; and ringing of bells. Again - a plan for 2013.

This project has brought peace more into our collective consciousness and thus provides the opportunity to create some gentle peace ripples which we can only hope becomes a wave.