The Broken Telephone Project

Curated by Malina Ciplue & Kristine Shafer

Concept by Malina Ciplue, 2024

Remember the Broken Telephone Game from childhood? We had so much fun trying to make sense of softly whispered words and passing them on. What if we could incorporate artistic inspiration into such a game? Rather than whispered words, each artist creates a vignette and passes on a description. The next artist interprets the written description through the lens of their own talents and techniques, and passes on their new word scape.

We invited Helios instructors to play. Be it for years or only days at a time, they are the heartbeat behind the studio. Who better to play with?

The seeds have spouted

In golden-green and dark blue.

Deep roots grow inward.

Seeds need water

to flourish and grow.

Water has waves

to travel and flow.

A wise tree grows by the water.

Embracing her years,

she connects the earth

with the light.

Autumn is approaching

and the wise tree

drops her first leaf

of the season.

The blue leaf commenced

A quest on the sparkly stream

of her boundless mind.

She transcended.

the blue leaf left the stream behind

and continued her quest —

unfettered, unencumbered, boundless.

The leaves settled,

making a nest,

a dwelling,

a house.

Winter’s frost and wind swept away

the fragile shelter of autumn leaves.

but,

the tenacious twigs remind me

that there’s hope in springtime.

Pale light whispers, soft and true,

drawing me toward something new.

scarred but strong, i grow. i thrive.

my light, my joy: to be alive.

hold

strong

hold strong

stronghold

Holding Still

Stand

Still

stand still

still standing

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