Sea Earth Change: Our Stories

Traci

“Studies find that group activities with a shared goal, like singing in a choir, have measurable, positive effects on a person's physical and mental health. That helps explain the dopamine high of being in a Spencer Tunick work. THE ICONIC project is my third time feeling my arms burn as I lock them into an uncomfortable position, hearing the breaths of almost one hundred other people doing the same, looking out into a beautiful landscape, and wanting to smile at the wind on my skin. I was in a dance company as a teenager – this kind of work gives me the same joy and challenge of trying to move my body with a group to accomplish a shared vision on the stage. I am now a flight attendant living in Seattle, Washington, but there's a dancer in me who will travel to the other side of the world to get out.
If I wasn’t human it would be fun to be a large sea creature like a whale and explore vast oceans.”

Felicia

“By chance I was travelling to Airlie to visit friends after spending time in Cairns for a holiday. It was a spur of the moment trip and when I saw THE ICONIC’s call-out for participants it was a complete coincidence I was there that weekend. I have never done something like this before but I am so glad I did.

I’ve worked as a veterinary nurse for the last 8 years but just finished my studies in interior design this year as I craved a creative career. I’m quite passionate about animals and nature so would love to pursue that again in the future. I’ve always felt very connected and calm in nature so engaging in an experience like this was truly amazing.

What makes me human is that I continue to grow and learn from my mistakes. I’m always evolving and changing for the better.”

Neil

“Having traveled the world extensively (72 countries down), seeing and experiencing sights and sounds, it takes a lot to get excited about something. I have hit a time in life where you realise that an experience of just a few hours can outweigh a night on the town. I was born in Africa and had a privileged childhood that ended abruptly with the internal struggles of my home country. After leaving, I had the opportunity to live a bit more than from paycheck to paycheck and subsequently found out I enjoy life and what it has around each corner. This took me on a journey from the UK to the USA, and then to a career at sea. I had a little kick for myself all along, "If not, why not?" which pushed my boundaries, and still does to this day. During my travels I found a kindred spirit and we have shared a number of experiences and adventures, this being added to the list for sure.”

Estrelia

“I took three flights to get here from Tasmania yesterday as I accidentally got a job there a week ago.
I am often told I have a charmed life – whatever that means. I don’t agree. I’m an opportunist, I say ‘yes’ a lot, and then I problem solve how to make things happen. I ask lots of questions and learn from fellow humans. But I am often told that I am a closed book, that I am secretive or hard to get to know… I like to think that I am private.

I have an innate ability to remember people’s stories – how they came to be sitting next to me, sharing space or a conversation – but darned if I can ever remember a password. I have to reset EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.”

SAME, Estrelia.

Mark

“A few years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I’m in remission now. My spin on it was completely different – I accepted it as part of my life & tried to turn the odds in my favour. Straight after my chemo sessions, I’d be cycling, skateboarding or walking. The doctors would always smile hearing my stories.

Fast forward, I’ve since cycled from Perth to Melbourne (across the Nullarbor) solo, run my 1st half marathon and also my full marathon (42.2km) in Melbourne in October. I’m so happy in life, there’s always a flip side!

Spencer & THE ICONIC sparked my curiosity, with self-examination of how comfortable I was being me & baring all. When the order came to strip, my senses were in overdrive. I felt relaxed being naked & it was amazing, I was alive – next level.”

Steve

“What makes us human is self awareness, compassion and the need to try and understand our place in the universe. When I wake up in the morning I take an hour-long dawn walk by the sea, crank up my music and smile at everybody that I see. I start the day with at least 30 smiles from strangers. I also make a point of picking up at least 3 bits of litter.”

The one piece of advice everyone needs to hear? L.I.F.E. Live It For Everyone, be kind to others, be kind to animals and be kind to yourself. Never take yourself too seriously.”