We had a meeting on the grounds of the Abbotsford Convent on a gorgeous Valentines Day (Feb. 14th). It was lovely to hang out and plan whilst eating a scrumptious BBQ lunch, gathered beneath a smaller version of a dome (our actual domes will be 3 times the size of the one you see here!) enjoying nargiles and of course, discussing all of the important areas of the project. This is the real deal and we’ll be making a racket real soon. Below are some photos of the day. Thanks to all that came and to all that are supporting this great project in any way.

Top image: Half of the group, hanging out inside the dome. Second image: Program Coordinator and Performer Naretha, Chairperson Richard and Artistic Director Robin in important discussion.

The installation, both a sculpture and a venue, made of geodesic domes and inflatable shapes is a

massive representation of a pregnant woman preparing to give birth as she emerges from the earth.

The domes make pockets of internal space for cinema, workshops and performance, creating a

cutting-edge presentation platform for hybrid arts and interdisciplinary collaborations including

theatre, digital art, discussion panels, live music, healing arts, dance and circus.

The sculpture measures 100 x 50 x 20m, and will have a capacity of 800+ people.

Keep your eye’s open for warm up events happening in Melbourne and Sydney before she commences her journey across to oceans to the United States of America and Europe in the year 2011, returning to Australia for a tour in 2012.

The Birthing Woman installation is a sculpture of a female body that will incorporate sound and light components designed and written to harmonize exactly with the human auric and spectral chakra systems, thereby allowing for an attunement and healing effect upon the body (and spirit) of those within the experiential field.

This installation will consist of large covered geodesic aluminum structures forming the profile of a reclining pregnant woman preparing to give birth as she emerges ‘through’ the surface of the Earth.

This blog will record the process of getting Birthing Woman funded, constructed and shipped so stay tuned!!

Thanks for your support.

Raize Money 4 The Birthing Woman Project! Lock the date in NOW, and get designing your ball garb.

Stay tuned 4 updates…

Abbotsford Convents French Meadow

One of Melbourne’s premier art establishments The Abbotsford Convent has given the green light to our project by allowing us to do our first installation on their grounds! The Convent fronting the Yarra River in the heart of inner Melbourne is a dream site for our debut. The Abbotsford Convent is a dedicated arts establishment focused on research and development. It is an invaluable resource for the arts community, for training and education, employment, an incubator for creativity and the sharing of ideas, a place for community participation and enjoyment. Oz Birthing Woman is very excited to have it’s first of many Major Partners.

Signals from Afar “Birthing Woman Benefit” @ Mercat Cross

Saturday May 23rd 2009 10 pm @ Mercat Cross (456 Queen St Melb CBD)
Featuring: DJ’s Simon Slieker, Atonix, Dakini, Heath Myers and Bass Bin Laden alongside weekly residents Johnny Mac, The Cook and Chestwig. 10pm – 7am
$10 on the door

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=78444138591

Robin has invited Kevin Buzzacott, a well known activitist and Arabunna elder, to join the Birthing Woman Tour to the USA and was pleased to get a resounding “Yes.. All Sounds good to me!” from ‘Uncle Kev’ as he is affectionally known.
The spirit of ‘Bopeechie’, a large natural ‘Dreamtime’ formation of a reclining woman, which is visible in the outline of the hills between ‘Mutonia’ and Lake Eyre South, was inspirational to this unique project.

Each evening at sunset, during the week long Burning Man Festival, a Ceremonial Corroboree will take place at the Birthing Woman Installation, where Kevin will explain and teach of the unique connections between the land and the spirit, that his people still honour so strongly.

Indeed, having ‘Uncle’ Kevin present and taking a direct part in the festival, is not only a great privelige but is sure also, to be one of the event highlights for many of the 60,000 people attending this annual Mega-gathering in the Nevada Desert!

3D work kindly contributed by Mediaguise