WHEN I CAME ACROSS The Belly Project a few months ago, I was just awestruck by the concept behind the blog. Each post consists of a photo of an anonymous woman’s belly; the headline reads her age and her pregnancy histories, sometimes including miscarriages and abortions.
The project, which was started in December by blogger Karen Rayne and midwife Christy Tashijan, wrestles with all sorts of looming issues in modern women’s lives, like sexuality (and those pesky societal perceptions of women’s sexuality), motherhood and other traditional women’s roles, body image, and even our body-image expectations–all through a collection of photos with simple headlines.
some of the many bellies featured on The Belly Project
It is what’s not said–the blank space surround the posts–on The Belly Project that is so arresting. When I perused the site for the first time, I was rendered nearly breathless at the bare-all, far from “perfect” bellies on display (and they volunteered for this!? I thought to myself). But following some observation on my own reaction, I started to confront the depth behind such a powerful project. There is a sense of community that still washes over me when go back and visit the site.
The stretch marks and c-section scars are like battle wounds, and while I’ve never had a pregnancy, I am connected to those women and their stories simply by my sheer awe in the capacity and potential of my own body.
I don’t know if the other TSP sisters will be so willing to show some skin, but I hope you’ll help make this project grow! Send your belly photos with a one-liner history to thebellyproject [at] gmail [dot] com.
In an interesting contrast, last week I saw an ad for The Belly Bandit on The Ellen Show. Their slogan is, “Meet your new best friend, The Belly Bandit!” I can’t even attempt to explain this contraption here, so have a peep at their website.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
wow, the belly project. it is indeed hard to come to grips with my own flabby-belly, filled with 1/2 inch stretch marks from having three large babies, one 9lb and two nearly 10 lbs. No amount of sit ups will tighten the abs or re-tighten the pulled muscles, so I think of my belly as a proud testament to bringing three wonderful babies into the world, all had a lot of room to grow, and I’d do it again! And pshaw to being on the beaches of the world with a bikini. I’d get sunburned!
You know, I might do this if you take the picture. :)
A – this is really interesting – I’m glad you posted it…I just love this blog!
You know who has a great belly? Gucci Mane.
http://www.ringaholic.com/images/artists/Gucci%20Mane.jpg
You know who else? Officer Ricky Ross.
Here’s a great interview in which he takes off his shirt and talks about the tattoos on his torso, including (you guessed it) his bellaaaay.
http://www.thefader.com/articles/2008/2/6/fader-tv-rick-ross
@m, thanks for sharing your belly story! I love that you call it a “proud testament” to your motherly status. Well said!
Hi @Adam, welcome to the blog. I like belly tattoos, too. There are quite a few women with expansive belly tats on the Belly Project site (including the one pictured above. I must say, however, that men lifting up their shirts is far less arresting than women. It doesn’t seem like Officer Ricky Ross has many inhibitions.
How can I leave a pic of my belly and story?
Welcome Kim! Send your photo and belly history to thebellyproject [at] gmail [dot] com.
Hi Anastasia,
I was just as inspired by this project as well. Right before I found it I had actually posted about my belly on my blog http://treadearthlightly.typepad.com, so I couldn’t believe it when I realized there was a place out there for all to do it. I was happy and a bit relieved. It takes guts for any woman to show her belly let alone a mother of two. Thanks so much for sharing this and btw I am the one with the cool arm tattoo. I am glad you liked it.