The Rave Ethos.
It’s an odd thing, how tentative people are to be ‘out there’ these days.
How being an individual is seen as peculiar and perhaps to be avoided.
So I guess I decided I thought that whole mind-set was bullsh** when I started painting myself at festivals this year.
Yep, it’s weird. Or not really…depending on how you look at it.
I think it’s funny personally.
But seriously, why the fu** not?!
It was as simple as having a friend look over at me as we’re sitting around at my first ‘bush festival’, ask whether I’d thought of having a little face paint done, and me nodding in vague interest.
“Yeah, sure”.
Honestly, at the time, I didn’t realise just how far I was going to take it. Or perhaps how far I WILL take it.
Anyway, half an hour later, “hey presto”! —my head turned white, neon strips were painted on and a swirling rainbow used to highlight the crown of my head (apparently it looked awesome — pity I never get to really see).
After the first event, I’ve got to say I really enjoyed it (well duh, I’ve done it at every festival since).
I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty funny at the same time as being quite taxing — I mean there are thousands of eyes on you from the moment you put it on to the moment you take it off.
But it’s because it’s WEIRD.
Obviously the idea is to stand out and draw peoples attention, but it’s not until you’re painted up and walking around that you’re actually put in a position to comprehend what it’s like.
A little daunting, yes, but still — I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Growing up and living in the Bayside area of Melbourne, I don’t see enough weird sh**. Bottomline.
I want weird.
I actually used to get excited taking a trip to the city (15km North) just to see the diversity in people inhabiting this part of the world.
Considering Melbourne’s somewhat of a melting pot (whilst remaining culturally segregated — don’t ask me why), it was quite the activity for me to go people watching.
I loved it.
I love weird.
I love different, because for the most part, there’s nothing wrong with different.
It seems, however, most Melbournians’ are used to people dressing a certain way, talking about certain things and involving themselves in ‘ordinary’ activities.
Perhaps its a ‘Western’ thing. Maybe that’s the average person, right?
Not according to all my international friends. There’s something about Victorians that make us particularly ordinary — one might call them ‘lame’ in fact.
I’d have to agree with them. A lot of them are lame. I’m probably just as lame at times. But I do my best to stay a little ‘left of centre’.
‘Generic’ — that’s a good word to describe it. Average.
As the famous/infamous Mark Bell painted on the wall of his gym, Supertraining, “I’d rather be dead than average”.
And so I go out of my way to be weird.
Mix things up. Say random crap. Take a walk on the wild side once in a while!
Use your imagination — as long as you’re giving the finger to the ‘norm’ and stepping towards the ‘odd’ side of things, I think you’re doing yourself and everyone around you a favour.
I mean what is life without some quirks.
All this painting and dressing up is nothing ground-breaking, amazing or even exciting really— it’s about creating an atmosphere and giving people something to laugh, giggle or step back in surprise at.
For me, it’s about buying weird clothes from random Opportunity shops, applying a little body paint in the right setting and voila’; outrageousness!
I wish more people would get outrageous with me!
Maitreya, Yemeya, Bushweek, Strawberry Fields, Earthcore — they’ve all been unique and wonderful festivals in their own right.
I’m not sure how many more I’ll go to to be honest. But for now, I’ve had one hell of a time.
In and amongst thousands of interactions, its been really quite interesting, so let me give you a run through of what its been like.
So going to festivals is a lot of fun.
Some people let me sit with them.
Sometimes they even let me sit in their vans when I’m tired…
…or on their couches…
…or on their chairs…in the middle of the dance-floor.
It won’t be long before I get half naked and go dancing…
Sometimes I walk around…
…and other times I ride around.
Some people can be a little hostile…
…whilst others are really quite welcoming.
Some people like to make things weird…
…and those people make me smile.
Some people like to join in…
…whilst some people like to just chat (I like those people).
A LOT of people like getting photos.
And sometimes, if I’m lucky enough, people do the painting for me.
I suppose it’s been one huge social experiment to be honest. Taken out of general social settings, I’ve observed peoples reactions and attitudes towards the weird and wonderful.
And guess what? People love it.
Sure, a couple of people here and there have been a little frightened or taken aback when a white head has materialised in front of them out of the darkness.
But I can’t begin to count the amount of photos, high-fives, fist-bumps, cheers, hugs and positive responses I’ve had to ‘dressing weird’ at festivals.
I wish everyone would join in! I hope one day to go to a festival where EVERYONE is painted, because it would be weird!
And weird is cool.
Until then, I’ll keep up the painting.
Someone’s got to be a weirdo around here.
If you enjoyed this piece, hopefully it inspires you to be a little weird and wonderful yourself, wherever you are, whoever you are — it’s too much fun not to be!
