I can't remember a time that there wasn't critical talk about media images versus the reality of women's bodies.  But the flipside is that there aren't often many alternatives offered up.  

These walls can talk is a project supported by The Butterfly Foundation which arose from a passion to turn body image into something positive. Josephine Bradley Scott is a young artist who has made an exhibition of diverse characters who are symbols of hope, a reminder that being yourself is beautiful. 

Josephine says, "I'm always excited to meet each character. In my illustrations I see glimmers of the countless people who inspire me; from the girl on the train to the acrobat on the wire. I love the endless opportunity of the process and how each character always brings a surprise."

This is an interview with Laura Muckton from the Butterfly Foundation about an exhibition that hopes to make you think outside the square when it comes to our bodies.

How would you sum up the goals of the Butterfly Foundation?
Amongst a whole list of basic goals our number one is to promote positive body image and to  encourage hope and help seeking through education and awareness.  We are also very keen to encourage a recognition of the complexities of eating disorders and the need for a compassionate and holistic response.

What are the main hindrances to body positivity in our creative culture?
The main hindrance to body positivity is society's current obsession with thinness and how this supposedly equates to beauty and a happy life.  Beauty is found in people of all shapes and sizes  and art and creativity can be an important medium in sharing this message.

What different characters has Josephine depicted that are outside of the "norm"?
Josephine’s characters are undertaking activities they love. Each one is unique in their appearance and nature but they are unified by a strong sense of contentment. They span different lands and times and express themselves in a positive way.

Mr Dignam soars above the circus floor, Phoebe contemplates her next creation and Betsie likes the way her body bobs in the sea water. Quillin makes a snowflake with her hands, Stella shimmy’s her tambourine in the desert whilst Theri takes a rest before his next journey. Their purpose is just as important as their physical imprint, and they use their bodies to celebrate this.

What feelings do you think are going to be evoked by this exhibition?
I think that people will find great joy in Josephine's art because it is whimsical and has a touch of  magic about it.  I think people of all ages and backgrounds will be drawn to Josephine's work.  It's very beautiful but very accessible at the same time.

There is a strong sense of wide eyed optimism in the artworks and the audience is likely to be left  feeling the same way. Viewers may also feel a little curious about the untold stories these characters are hinting at and we encourage them to imagine their own.  We hope the exhibition will be a playful reminder that it’s ok to be happy within your own skin.

"These Walls Can Talk" - what does the title of the show refer to?
These walls can talk refers to the positivity of the artworks and their ability to bring body image out into the open and into public dialogue. Both through the characters on the walls and through images of everyday people celebrating being themselves, Josephine wants to connect with viewers in a way that will encourage them to think and talk about their own unique attributes.

If you could have 5 celebrity guests at the opening (crossing history and geography) who would they be?

- Kate Winslet – for her comments on positive body image
- India Arie (Musician) – who celebrates being happy in the skin we are in
- Dawn French - known for speaking out on issues of 'fattism' and body image as a role modelof success in an unfortunate society of discrimination.
- Cathy Freeman
- Dame Judi Dench 

"These Walls Can Talk" Josephine Bradley Scott
Per Square Metre Gallery
191-193 Johnston Street
Collingwood Melbourne


from 1st September 2009
more information at The Butterfly Foundation website