The Bare Project

Love your body, love your soul, love yourself.

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Announcement!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!*****

If you are a musician, poet, painter, you name it, we want you! This year, the Bare Project is a multimedia exhibition surrounding the theme of Stereotypes.

Art can challenge and defy the stereotypes in our world: have you ever been compartmentalized or told that you were something you're not? Have you ever been the victim of prejudice or judgement based on who you are? And finally, what problems in society do you feel are perpetuated by stereotypes? What could be some possible solutions?

Submit your photos, poems, drawings, or proposals (for performance art, etc) to:

[email protected]

Submissions needed by November 25th.

We can answer any questions you have and are so excited to hear from you! All are welcome!

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“Every body is not for everybody,

Everybody has one body.

Everybody hates their body.

But somebody else

Loves you

And your body.

So love yourself too.

And your body. And their bodies.

Because there is only one you.

And you only get one body

And soul.

Ugly is beauty

And

Beauty is Ugly.

It just depends who you ask

And fuck their opinion anyway.

You have to love yourself first.”

McS / Meh.

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“Confidence and self-love, I’m all for it. But when you’re only 21 and have been HIV + for 2 years, finding self-worth is a daily trial.  The irony is painful – generally, I’m tediously responsible. But all it takes is one idiotic, supremely unlucky mistake and suddenly you’re facing lifelong consequences. Over time, the most effective way I’ve found to fight my demons is to endeavor towards altruism. After all, everyone has their own quiet struggles. I don’t think I could ever be grateful to be infected but I suppose it’s a good reminder as any that while our distinctive beauty should definitely be celebrated, it’s our flaws that grant us empathy. “

Anonymous

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“A fat kid, sensitive, weak, invisible, self-loathing, unworthy, not good enough, unlovable, scared…

Still a fat kid, still sensitive, growing stronger advocates for visibility self-liking, worthy, good enough, loveable, still scared but finding courage…

I have traveled the path of self-hate and felt that the world judged and hated me too. I felt that love from my family was obligatory, friends were just being nice, and the world around me only saw fat. I felt out of place, lost in the crowd, and tangled in the web of social awkwardness.

Fortunately, my path has diverged and over the last decade my truth has grown, and continues to grow, with perspective, knowledge, and love. I feel gratitude to the people and events that have opened up this new path of self-love, acceptance, and adventure. I am what I am (shadows and light) and that is good enough. I believe in the Bare Project because it offers the opportunity to see the connection we have to others in our fight to find validity. We all have our shadows and when we expose them to the light, we are offered the opportunity to learn and grow."

--Hallie Marshall

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I am a transgender woman. Growing up this way definitely affected my body image. I often felt too small and scrawny as a man, but too large and un-feminine as a woman. I often felt torn between teh media barrages of idealized beauty for both men and women.

This was absurd! Instead of trying to embody those false ideals, I've decided to just be me, and to be fit and healthy! I love to run. Running helps me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keeps me centered. It provides me solid goals for me to strive for.

This year, I ran my first half-marathon! It was an exciting achievement, but not enough. My next goal is to run a full marathon, with a side goal of increasing my pace.

In addition to fitness, I've realized the need to be out and proud as a transgender woman. We live in exciting times, with trans activists making news and advancing equality! I intend to do my part, showing those I encounter that I am a worthwhile person. I'm only asking for equality. I refuse to hide or be fearful of rude stares or hurtful words. I am strong, I am fit, and I am Here!

-- Amber McGrey

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“I am so sick of hating myself. I suppose that was my motivation and inspiration for creating the bare project. I guess it’s my way of rebelling against society’s fucked up standards. So, I’ve made myself vulnerable because maybe vulnerability is healing. My thighs touch, I have plenty of extra stomach fat, I’m generally awkward in social settings, and I’m perpetually filled with anxiety. And I hate that I let these things hinder happiness. I’m not really sure how to let them go. But perhaps this is the first step. When the pharmaceuticals no longer work and therapy just pisses you off, you have a choice. You can dwell in the depression, or you can try your damnedest to change your attitude. And I am really trying for the latter. So no, my story doesn’t necessarily have a positive ending. But I really believe that it will someday. Be kind to yourself.” - Anna Jo Longworth  

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I haven't been comfortable with my body for a long time, probably since I was ten years old. Part of my struggle is that, no matter what I have done so far I have not been able to find peace within myself. You know things like trying to eat better, exercising, and the like haven't helped. I mean like six years ago I weight something like 210 pounds, and then I went through basic I got down to 160, then I gained some weight and sort of spent 3 years bouncing around 180, and now I am probably like 200 again. The weird thing is at none of those weights or varying states of physical fitness have I been happy with the way I look. I always am thinking that I could weigh less or have more muscle or whatever. It's like where does it stop? Which is why I choose to do this project, because I want it to stop and I thought this would be a good way to start over again. It is kind of like quitting smoking, this project might get me through a week without those negative thoughts or maybe even half a day, but at least it is another attempt, and maybe one day I will get there. 

--Joshua Nixdorf

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“The world is comic books, sci-fi, and video games should no longer be a boy’s club with a: “No Girls Allowed!” banner hanging on the door.” – Andi Pfeifer

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I was always under the impression that "fat" people couldn't be delicate. I didn't wear dresses or shorts for a long time; I shrouded myself in baggy sweats and tshirts. But as I became more comfortable in my own skin, I realized: I am a delicate flower. Goodbye sweats, hello tights and dresses. I try to remind myself every day... I am a beautiful flower.

-- Ashley Smith

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Love Letter / Apology to My Body:

Dear Body, I have not always trusted you. Your muscles have often given up on me and constantly My bones shake and shutter. I have gone under three times because of you I wonder If you'll ever truly offer me stability. Dear Body, I have not always been confident in you. You cannot push or pull as well as the other bodies can. I have never felt right without a shirt on, Because you are not flat where I want you to be and  You protrude where I don't. Dear Body, I am sorry. I have not loved you enough while You always loved me back. You have been my protector, Cradling my heart within your tender hands. I have mistreated you. You still forgive me. Dear Body, I am sorry. I am still learning. I still love you. -- Nishat M. Ahmed

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I have always been fairly comfortable with my appearance. Even in the times that I was significantly less attractive (in sixth grade, for example, I had big red glasses and a bowlcut), I didn't struggle. My struggles are mostly internal, my problems with myself usually pertain to my weaknesses. I write on my hands because I am forgetful and easily distracted. I need constant reminders. I laugh too loud, I am too honest. I am moody and a lot to handle, I care about some things too much, some things too little. I make impulsive choices, I don't know what I want, or maybe I do. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 

At the end of the day, though, I am the way I am. And I know that I have people in my life that love and support me, that make me laugh my loud laugh and cry embarrassing tears.

I will no longer apologize for who I am.

"NEVER APOLOGIZE, NEVER EXPLAIN."

-- Emily Otnes

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All my life I've been told the laws of modesty were written by God. And that how I chose to present myself was determined by religion. Skirts may get me into your church, but my heart is what gets me to heaven.

-- Katie Shoukry

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“Being diagnosed at age 59 with type 1 diabetes was really unnerving. I was angry. The insulin pump was the best approach to manage my disease. I have immense respect for the (usually) young people who have been down this road and continue to do so. I have a love/hate relationship with the insulin pump. It can be extremely frustrating. But, I am not ready to leave the party… not just yet.”  - Pamela Wallin

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“From my experience, I have learned when the mind, the heart, and the body are ONE, that is when real BEAUTY can be FELT.” – Samantha Resser

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This is the most I've ever weighed. I never wanted to be insecure, but I was and still am. I've witnessed a lot of the darker sides of life, and those events demanded unbelievable personal strength. It is difficult to accept my own weaknesses and insecurities. Shedding my clothes for this photo was about giving someone else the control, admitting my own faults, and beginning some process of self-kindness. As for the dancing? Music gave me a way out. I wanted to celebrate that in this photo. Rock out with your socks out!

Jenni Shanahan

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First exhibition, Indigo Gallery, August 2014