25 THINGS FAT PEOPLE SHOULDN'T DO: #3 MAKE ART OF THEMSELVES

25 Things Fat People Shouldn't Do is an unabashed middle finger to the preposterous idea that any human who weighs more than the status quo does not deserve to live a full and well rounded (ahem) life. The list of 25 is composed word for word from direct lists of sheer assholery found on the internet. These range from the absurd to the profoundly shameful, and I will be disproving this offensive notion with style. Feel free to join in on the fun, and if you do, link at the bottom so I can share. May the Chub Club live long and prosper!
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I sometimes forget that I like to paint.

Ever since I created a corner for my easel I've been itching to use it... and now I'm addicted to acrylic all over again. I was lovin' on this painting until a friend pointed out some perspective issues... which now is all I see. Sad face. Even though it's not quite finished,  I wanted to share it this week as my "Things Fat People Shouldn't Do" because for me... painting pictures of myself stops me just enough to look. To allow myself not to see the whole picture (which is complex and conditioned to reflect shame), but with detail... working a brush to recreate my  folds. Taking the time to shade my belly button. To see how the shadows fall and rise with the rolling stomach I own. It really puts a new perspective on something I see everyday. I can't judge it when I'm up close and concentrated on brushstrokes... I can only stand back and be pleased with myself looking at the final product. And THEN I think... "Ohmygod that's me. And I liked it before I knew it was me... so I must like ME!" Iknowright?

I really love everything about this image. Something about putting a body into art that... really makes it seem like art. It's pretty much a profound experience.


Your challenge: Create art of yourself! Use any medium you like... paint, computer, collage, photography, sculpture... anything. Anyone (no size exclusions!) can join in... just provide a link to your post below! 

If you're an overachiever, you can also prepare for next Monday's 25 Things, which will be: "Swing at the park". I would expect a lot of cuteness coming my way... I kinda wanna wear a hair bow and bring a lollipop... and THEN swing. SO grab your boy, girl, children, friend, mom, grandmother, stranger from the sidewalk you trust with your camera and let them snap a picture of you swingin! Can't wait to see them!


27 comments

  1. This is so amazing. Love it, and you're inspiring me to paint again :)

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    1. you should just get a few tubes of paint, and a piece of cardboard. dont wait! just do!

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  2. That's an awesome painting! I'm working on next weeks challenge I just need someone to come take photos.

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  3. Does your talent know no bounds!? You rock my socks Jes!

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  4. please show this when it's done - it looks amazing thus far! I love this challenge in particular - art makes bodies beautiful It's one of the things I've noticed about it in art school - whenever we paint models in class, it is often not the skinniest girl who makes the best model - it's the man with the bloated tummy and the crooked nose who makes for a better painting, because, it's interesting, and beautifully so. I might take part in this challenge :)

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.ca

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    1. such a great point. and we all have those "quirks" that make us memorable. I cant wait to see yours!!!

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  5. That's outstanding! LOVE it. Love.

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  6. Jes, this is amazing! I wish I'd put more effort into mine now. I just went for a little cartoon doodle and now I super regret not doing something more creative haha!

    Becky
    xx

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    1. dear becky, yours is amazing. It looks just like you, and I love it. It IS creative... and wonderful. thanks for contributing:)

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  7. WOW!!! I love it!! You did such an incredible job! I wish I was good at painting... this piece is really moving. =)

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  8. That is a really great piece!! I'm a doodler, but it's more like squiggles and shapes, so it wouldn't really be a good representation of myself, haha.

    But I can't wait to do the swing one! That will be fun ;D

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  9. Jes....seriously......beautiful painting! I wish I had half the skills that you do.

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  10. Incredible! Seriously, so awesome.

    This reminds me of a project I once attempted. I had someone trace my body onto a giant piece of paper, then cut it out and painted what I felt in each part of my body. I made it that far. Then, I was supposed to hang it on the wall. It lasted a day before I insisted it be taken down. I couldn't look at it, knowing it was me. All I could do was compare, compare, compare.

    I'm not sure I'm ready for a challenge like this, yet.

    Truly inspiring.

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  11. love it! do you have to be fat to take part? :) haha

    great painting tho! I'd have it on my wall

    Barnicles

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  12. I love this painting. It is fantastic. You are so talented in so many ways I am seriously blown away every time I read your blog.

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  13. I am just discovering all of your hidden talents!

    BTW I like this series - and you will see more of ME in your upcoming posts.

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  14. During my college days, I've been in love with the female form. But rarely do the books show the anatomy of a well rounded woman. So I asked, why? I've come to realize that they don't consider fat women beautiful. So, in rebellion, I started to paint my body and the many ways I see it as beautiful. Who else can start accepting and loving your body if you don't? In the future, I would share these painting in my blog as well. That's a really nice painting by the way. I should go back to painting more :) Cheers!

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  15. I just ran across your blog today, and am totally loving it. I love all this great stuff.

    Have you seen this wonderful self-portrait by Alice Neel? It's her fuck-you to the art community. Yeah, I'll do a nude self-portrait since you never asked. :D

    http://ayay.co.uk/backgrounds/paintings/alice_neel/self-portrait.jpg

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  16. I am not an artist, but I'm a size 16 nude model for life drawing classes in my community. You wouldn't believe how excited the artists are to work with a woman with curves. I think it's more of a challenge for them to capture me with all the curves and valleys I'm rocking. ;)

    Plus, it's a boost to my confidence to see how beautiful I look through the eyes of talented artists!

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  17. I'm not an artist, but I'm a size 16 nude model for some figure drawing classes at our community art center. I absolutely love doing it, and the artists love using me as a model!

    I get such a boost to my self esteem viewing my body though the eyes of talented artists. Plus, it's like a zen thing, staring blankly at a wall for an hour at a time ;)

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