invitations

I insist upon my right to be multiple
I insist upon my right to be multiple
Even more so, I insist upon
The recognition of my multiplicity
All things encompassed in one
I really do insist that others recognise my inherent multiplicity
What I no longer do
Is take pains to explain it or defend it

Moses Sumney, also also also and and and

Seeking: Sea Free Receivers to Share Their Artefacts and Reflections

Who do you become when your multiple
identities snap into place?

What is it like to birth your self – in all your contradictions, glories, failures and beauty?

Who/what/how would you be if you didn’t have to choose your identity from the ends of binaries?

You are invited to wander and wonder.

We invite you to explore what we’ve learned about Sea Free thus far and use these offerings to play with your own connections to Sea Free. Then, we invite you to make artefacts of your experiences and share them with us. 

If you are looking for more information on how to connect to Sea Free, or how to make an artefact please visit our Artefact Archive. If you are new to Sea Free altogether, we invite you to start with Jorge’s letter.

Our current invitations for you

1. View current exhibit open call
Submit to Tiger Birth: Origins of Sea Free. Our first immersive, Sea Free Artefact Exhibit.
View current exhibit open call

2. Submit to the artefact archive
Take part in building this digital garden by submitting your artefact to our online archive.
Submit to the artefact archive

3. Host a workshop
Let’s explore Sea Free together and develop a workshop with your arts and culture organization.
Host a workshop

Current exhibit open call
Current exhibit open call

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current exhibit open call

Call for Art!

Hosted by the Sea Free Science Team, Sea Free Creative Team, and in collaboration with Engine in Biddeford, Maine.

We are now accepting Artefacts for consideration for a summer 2023 exhibit at Engine in Biddeford, Maine. This will be a collaborative, multimedia, immersive, and interactive exhibit which will feature themes and works that relate to one of the origin stories of their universe: The Tiger Birth Story.

You’re invited to explore your connection to Sea Free by making an artefact for this open call – the first in our ongoing collaborative art program.

Inspiration: For this open call, the Sea Free Science Team invites you to use the Tiger Birth story to create artefacts exploring:

Who do you become when your multiple
identities snap into place?

What is it like to birth your self – in all your
contradictions, glories, failures and beauty?

Who/what/how would you be if you didn’t have
to choose your identity from the ends of binaries?

On Artefact Making:

The Sea Free Science team is connecting people to the songs and stories emanating from a parallel universe where humans evolved without binary identities. Humans in that universe, Sea Free, enjoy a range of multiple identities of all kinds and are more free to change and present themselves in their full contradictions and beauties. We receive and deepen this connection to their universe in order to explore new depths of love and courage in our own.

One of the ways Sea Freesians explore this kind of freedom is through the practicing of their art forms which often blend physical art objects with storytelling. We call this process Artefact Making. The Science Team has created this open call for art made in a similar manner and inspired by stories received from Sea Free.

At this moment, we can only hear Sea Free, so there are no actual physical things from their universe that we have to study. We only have songs, stories, and messages – sometimes jumbled or incomplete – to work with. But because we have so much to learn from their universe, and one of the ways we learn best in our world is through art, science, and storytelling, we have created a process by which we can learn from Sea Free and reflect. 

That process is called artefact making. Science Team member Dr. Meg Moody explains that “Artefacts are a portal – a site of translation, reflecting themes from Sea Free to similar waypoints and experiences in our own universe. Through this process we build deeper connections to our own world and each other.” Visit our Artefact Archive for more information on how to connect with Sea Free and how to make an artefact.

Helpful steps and info to create work for this open call:

  1. If you have not done so already, we invite you to read Jorge’s welcome letter. There, you will learn more about Sea Free and our creative research process.
  2. Then, head over to our artefact archive to familiarize yourself with current examples from our archived artefacts and review some of our artefact-making guidance.
  3. Once you have a better idea of what an artefact is or can be, we would love for you to review the Tiger Birth Story. The Tiger Birth creation story speaks to shedding the binaries of our identities and embracing our multiplicities. Exhibited artefacts will reflect the themes present in this origin story and recontextualize them with moments of intersection from our own world.
  4. Impact Story: you will notice in our artefact archive and also our current invitations page, when you go to submit, that artefacts are not just the physical artwork, they are also the accompanying impact story—which can be submitted in written or recorded form (ex: Brook Trout Impact Story audio). This is 2-3 paragraphs that describe the impact of Sea Free on you that you hope to convey through this artefact. Some people find it easier to write the story before making the physical work and that’s totally fine! Together, the physical work and the story will help you and the audience reflect on a connection to Sea Free. We learn from those reflections to spread healing, love, and a deeper exploration of our own world. And further, maybe we can enact some much needed transformation!
  5. We also invite you to have a listen to the Tiger Birth playlist to inspire your creativity (compiled by our own Amos Hurton, explorer/gatherer for the Science Team).
  6. Accepted Media: For the physical component of the artefact, Sea Free Science team requests works on paper, books, paintings, collage, and shadowboxes. Size limit: 24” x 24” x 24”. Weight limit: 25lbs.
  7. There is no fee to submit but you are welcome to make a donation to the project through our Venmo (@Nicola-Chin-2), or Paypal account (nico@upwithcommunity.org). Artists will retain 100% of sales—as sales will happen between the artist and the individual buyer. Neither Engine, Sea Free Science Team, nor Sea Free Creative team will be involved in the sale except to put prospective buyers in touch with individual artists.
  8. Deadline to submit is May 1st, 2023 (11:59pm).
  9. See below for submission form.

Click to submit to open call

    Submission Form: We recommend you do this on a computer and not your mobile phone...

    Accepted mediums: at this time, the Science Team can only accept works on paper, shadowboxes, books, and collage. These are the forms of art we currently know exist in Sea Free, and we would like to encourage using their formats in our world.

    You may only submit ONE work, but you can submit up to three images of that work if needed - in order to provide detail shots or views from a different angle. Weight of works are limited to 25lbs.

    Sea Free Receiver (Artefact Maker)

    I would like my submission to remain anonymous in the exhibit (we still need your name for internal administrative purposes, but will keep it withheld publicly)


    Media

    Dimensions

    Weight

    Artefact Story

    Both the Sea Free Science and Creative Teams are committed to accessibility in the arts which is why our exhibits and digital garden have visual, written, and audio features. We ask that you either provide a written story (artist statement) to accompany your artefact in the exhibit or an audio sample of the same. You can find a sample artefact audio file from our current archives here.

    Remember to speak about how this artefact relates to Sea Free, its Tiger Birth origin story, exploring your multiplicities, or anything else from the inspiration materials. We want to know the story of this artefact and how listening to the songs and stories of Sea Free connected you to similar waypoints in our own world.

    Limit 500 words (or 3 mins for audio files)


    Written artist statement - you must provide a written statement here if you don’t include an audio file below. Limit 500 words.



    Audio story - you must provide an audio file here if you didn’t include a written story above. Limit 3 mins.

    Installation information and questions:

    What Sea Freesian form of art are you using? (You can leave this blank if you don't know and we will figure it out.)

    Spiral StoriesMemory BedsMaps of Informalities

    Additional details and acknowledgements about this work:

    My work is 2-dimensional and I will deliver it to the venue ready to hang (framed if necessary, with hanging wire across the back - taking into consideration the weight of the object).

    My work is a 3-dimensional shadow box that can hang on a wall and I will deliver it to the venue ready to hang with a wire across the back, taking into consideration the weight of the object.

    My work is a 3-dimensional shadow box that may need a table or pedestal (no guarantees).

    My work is a book and will need a table or pedestal; I understand this is an interactive exhibit and thus visitors will be touching my book.

    My work is a lightweight work on paper such as a collage or drawing and I authorize the Sea Free Creative Team to hang as they see fit without impacting the work. If I am concerned about “weathering” over the course of the exhibit, I will deliver it to the venue with a lightweight frame with a clear glass or acrylic overlay and hanging wire attached to the back.

    Other opportunities for submitted artefacts:

    The Sea Free Science Team is building an archive [link coming soon] of artefacts to be shared in our digital garden, as well as a permanent collection of the physical works themselves. Please see the options below in regards to these other opportunities. Check as many boxes as apply to your preferences. These are just boxes to check so we know your preferences and can open a dialogue with you. You’re not agreeing to anything by checking these boxes except that you’re interested in being contacted about these opportunities. You can decide any of these things later on too and let us know by emailing team member Damaya Swan at damaya@seafree.space

    Yes, I may also like to add my artefact to the seafree.space digital archive if it is selected for this physical exhibit.
    Yes, I may like to add my artefact to the digital archive even if it’s not selected for this particular exhibit.
    I’m interested in receiving information about permanently donating my artefact to the Sea Free Science Team’s collection regardless of whether or not it is selected for this exhibit.

    General Rules and Conditions

    Acknowledgements for submission to this exhibit

    By submitting this application, you agree to allow the Sea Free Creative Team, under the direction of Lead Artist and Sea Free Science Team builder/gather N.M.Chin (also Nicola M. Chin, Nico Chin, and Nico M. Chin), to use all the above information and materials provided for promotion, both on the Sea Free website (seafree.space) and for social media posts (both our own and partnering organizations), based upon acceptance into the exhibit.

    By sending your application, you agree that the submitted artefact(s) are your own work, you own all rights to the work, and you take full responsibility for the content, including the likeness of recognizable individuals. The actual artwork will remain the property of the artist; our mission is to promote artists and their work. We will not use your image(s) for any other purpose without your express consent and permission.

    By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you will not receive monetary compensation upon acceptance into this exhibit. We will not use your image for any other purpose beyond this exhibit and the marketing of this exhibit without your permission as a contributing artist. You will be credited wherever and whenever your submitted image or work is used or exhibited in a public forum, with the possible exception of wide angle views of the exhibit where your work is not foregrounded.

    If accepted, you will be asked to sign an Artwork Lending and Exhibit Agreement in order to exhibit with us; you can view a preview of that agreement here [link coming soon]. This agreement defines similar terms to those mentioned here, but in a more thorough and detailed manner. In that agreement, you and your work are referred to as “Contributing Artist” and “Artwork(s)”, while The Sea Free Science and Creative Teams may refer to you as a “Receiver” or “Sea Free Receiver” or “Receiver of Sea Free” and your works as “Artefact(s)” for the purposes of this larger ongoing community art project and its promotion.

    Please acknowledge that if accepted, you will deliver or ship your artefact to the venue at your own cost.

    Please note: this may take us a moment to process...

    **Funding for this exhibit, and its accompanying workshops, is provided in part through a grant award of American Rescue Plan funds through the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by SPACE gallery.

    Submit to the artefact archive
    Submit to the artefact archive

    submit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archivesubmit to the artefact archive

    submit to the artefact archive

    What is the Artefact Archive?

    At this moment, we can only hear Sea Free, so there are no actual physical things from their universe that we have to study. We only have, sometimes jumbled or incomplete, songs, stories, and messages to work with. But because we have so much to learn from Sea Free, and one of the ways we learn best in our world is through art, science, and storytelling, we have created a process by which we can learn from their universe and reflect. That process is called artefact making.

    Science Team member Dr. Meg Moody explains that “Artefacts are a portal – a site of translation, reflecting themes from Sea Free to similar waypoints and experiences in our own universe. Through this process we build deeper connections to our own world and each other.”

    The Sea Free Science team is currently collecting and cataloging artefacts from Sea Free Receivers across our world and presenting them in the artefact archive. You can find guidance on how to make an artefact there.

    If you have any further questions or would like to submit to the archive, you can do so by writing to Sea Free Science Team Member Damaya Swan at damaya@seafree.space.

    Go to the Artefact Archive

    Host an artefact workshop
    Host an artefact workshop

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    Host a workshop!

    The Sea Free Science Team brings workshops and exhibits to arts, culture, and humanities venues. Workshops are an intimate and transformative experience where we share ways to connect to Sea Free, explore our multiple identities, and learn how to make art inspired by the stories and art making practices of Sea Free. If your organization chooses to host an exhibit as well, we will work with you to invite local artists and/or Sea Free Receivers to prepare artefacts for submission.

    Testimonials

    My workshop experience was magical. Having a deeper appreciation of Sea Free has sparked a new phase of curiosity and awe about what’s possible. A group of lovely people connected with each other readily and deeply because of the genuine welcoming hosts and beautiful facilitation of N.M. This experience has enhanced my life and I’m so grateful. ~ Tara J.

    I am finding myself increasingly drawn to messages from Sea Free…almost like a magnetic force is attracting me to exploring my multiplicities. My senses are being drawn to spotting artefacts everywhere. Within myself, I am aware that I’m not a sole identity…I have multiple aspects swirling, spiraling, revolving and evolving. I feel amplified and expanded with increased choicefulness in expressing my fulsomeness. I enter the dance of my days with more curiosity, openness and fluidity. ~ Carol W.

    We would like to partner with you: Let’s start at the beginning for those just joining us…

    • Sea Free is a parallel universe where humans evolved without binary identities.
    • We are the Sea Free Science Team: a small group of Sea Free Receivers – people who have heard the songs and stories of this other universe.
    • We are reaching out to connect with other folks who self-identify as Sea Free Receivers, in order to collect and archive the insights and lessons gleaned from Sea Free for use in our own world.
    • We are in the very early stages of this research: building our team, building a database of Receivers, and collecting an archive of artefacts created by Receivers of Sea Free.
    • We are always mapping what we learn of Sea Freesian time shards and mythologies in this digital garden, and we would love to have your community join us.
    • We love collaborating: Enthusiastic feedback from our initial workshops have taught us that these experiences bring people together, sparking deep creativity and joy across neighbors and teams. We are eager to share the offerings of Sea Free with your community.

    In each workshop, we will:

    • share what we know of Sea Free so far
    • explore ways to connect to their universe in our own lives
    • learn how how to make artefacts inspired by a connection to Sea Free
    • offer some art supplies to begin playing
    • enjoy snacks and creative activities!

    Please contact damaya@seafree.space to plan your workshop today!

    Sea Free Time Shards Map (under construction)

    about our team

    dynamics of Sea Free

    artefact archive

    Jorge’s letter

    Photo:
    ian dooley on Unsplash