PREPPERS

ISBN: 978-0-6485263-3-9

An ART ON THE MOVE touring exhibition.

In memory of Paul Thompson.

This is an exhibition about doomsday preppers. Preppers are a subculture of people that prepare for the collapse of society. They collect specialised survival products, skills, and knowledge, both in real life and as members of online communities. Prepping is both a hobby and a world-view. It has its own aesthetics, vocabulary, and consumer objects.The prepper phenomenon is an expression of widely relatable cultural anxieties. Today catastrophe seems to loom on many fronts — environmental collapse, disruptive technology, rising political nativism, or another financial crash. Established power systems are failing to address these great challenges.

In this moment of uncertainty, preppers represent something vital. Preppers understand that a time of chaos is also an opportunity.

The artworks in Preppers offer a proactive viewpoint on looming catastrophe by communicating theories of self-sufficiency, preparedness, survival and adaptation. They become vehicles for navigating an increasingly complex world, where disaster prompts a critical process of prioritising needs.

The activities in this resource can be used as a guide to contextualise the relevance of the preppers ethos. Inspiring community to engage and connect by offering tools and ideas for prepping in a comfortable environment.

KAYA! HELLO!

ART ON THE MOVE would like to acknowledge that Australia’s First Peoples are the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and future for their unique contribution to the cultural life of communities across Australia.Our Act-Belong-Commit Engagement Program is for everyone. Our events and activities take place in the galleries we work with, online or at our home in Fremantle and are inspired by the artists we tour.

We offer creative ways to engage with art and explore the positive impact creativity can have on our lives.

Our program includes artist talks, workshops, artist residencies and resources. Please visit artonthemove.art for more information.

We work with a diverse group of artists across our exhibitions and collaborate with creative organisations across industries to develop a wide variety of audiences for the arts in Western Australia.

Being active, having a sense of belonging and having a purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health.

KAYA: “Kaya” means “Hello” in Noongar, the language of the Wadjuk people, custodians of the land from the Perth area, on which this learning resource is produced.

Act – Do something

Belong – Do something with someone

Commit – Do something meaningful

WHAT IS A PREPPER?

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Imagine you wake up tomorrow and the world as you know it is thrown into total chaos. Would you be ready?While the idea of preparing for the worst might seem on the fringe, crisis is a real threat. Many organisations also recognise the importance of being prepared in an emergency. For example, the Australian Red Cross provides online resources, such as their “Emergency Crisis Kits”. Basic kits generally prioritise food, water, first aid and other supplies. Fire, flood, political collapse or climate crisis are just some of the scenarios where being prepared could make a difference.

A key part of being prepared is recognising your own environment. For example, knowing how to forage local edible plants as a food source; or learning permaculture techniques, a gardening approach which works with natural forces to grow plants. These are some examples of how localised knowledge could assist in a survival situation.

The preppers world is diverse. Some build underground bunkers, which could be filled with supplies, use solar energy or have air filtration systems. One famous prepper, Steve Huffman, had laser eye surgery to ensure his sight would not be impacted if glasses were no longer available. He also has motorbikes and stockpiles weapons.

To some, the lengths preppers go to may seem extreme, however, survival skills can be beneficial for everyone.

What would you pack if you needed to leave your home? “Toys, clothes, a camera and a special picture of me and daddy.” Kingston, 6, Fremantle

A Bug Out Bag contains all of the things you would need in an emergency. Your Bug Out Bag is a collection of survival items which can get you through the crucial moments of an emergency. It is kept somewhere accessible and safe, in case you need to leave your house in a hurry.

Some ideas for Bug Out Bag items include at least 3 litres of water, a water purification system, protein bars, cutlery, sleeping bag, tinder or a first aid kit. What other items do you think you might need?

ACT Do something.

Thinking about what to pack in a Bug Out Bag is a great way to engage problem solving skills. Staying mentally active improves alertness, which is important for everyday – but even more important in a survival situation!

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Did You Know?

The average person can only survive 3-4 days without water.

Some disasters can impact breathable air. For example, a fire that has been in contact with chemicals can release pollutants into the air. Still flood water often contains harmful bacteria, which carried by the wind and inhaled could pose health risks.

Emergencies may require you to leave your home. Shelter can protect us from heat, cold or dangerous animals. Without shelter, humans may find it difficult to survive depending on the terrain.

Draw your items into the bag! This could be practical but also items that are special to you.

What would you pack if you needed to leave your home? “My favourite pillow.” Janie, 53, Kalgoorlie

WHAT IS A BUG OUT BAG? YOUR BUG OUT BAG

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survivalists, hikers, campers or anyone who loves the outdoors! This handy little bracelet unravels into a long, powerful rope – which could be used for fishing, building shelter, tying and much more.

HOW TO M AK E YOUR OWN

PARACORD BRACELET

BELONG Do something with someone.

Sharing experiences aids to build a sense of belonging, which helps you feel good about yourself and others. Share this activity with a friend, or show someone how useful the Paracord Bracelet could be!

The paracord bracelet is essential prepper EDC, (Every Day Carry). The paracord bracelet is held together by a special weave called the Cobra Weave.

03. Now we can start the Cobra Weave! Wrap the left cord around the back.

01. For this activity, the length of the cord should be roughly 3 metres. The first step is to fold it in half.

Paracord can be found at your local camping, hardware or sports store. If you don’t have paracord – get creative! You could use other types of cord, such as utility cord or rope – just ensure it is roughly 4mm in diameter.

Once you have chosen your material, let’s get started!

04. Then fold the right cord OVER the left cord then bring it UNDER. Follow the diagram above.

02. With a ruler, measure roughly 30cm from the bottom (where the fold is).

05. Now fold the right cord over the front of both cords and feed it through the loop that was created in step 3.

WARNING: This activity has a step which involves fire and is to be strictly performed under adult supervision.

This activity might be tricky for tiny hands and is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Materials Needed

4mm Paracord (3 meters)

Ruler, or tape measure

Scissors

Pencil

Lighter

06. Slowly tighten the loops by gently pulling the ends of the paracord until it is nice and snug.

09. Slowly tighten the loops again by gently pulling the ends of the paracord until it is nice and snug.

07. This time we are going to start with the right cord. Feed it round the back and over the left cord.

10. Then back to the left! Take the left cord, guide it round the back and over the right cord.

08. Now grab the left cord and guide it over and through the loop created on the right in step 7.

12. Pull tight. There you go! Looking good!

15. Pull tight. Looking great! Don’t worry if it takes you a few turns, practice makes perfect. It might also take a little while to find the right tension.

13. Repeat with the right. Take the right cord round the back and over the left cord.

16. Now alternate sides until the weave is long enough to wrap around your wrist. Everyone is different so check as you go. When you get to the right length, pull the ends tight.

14. Now take the left cord over the middle and feed it through the loop on the right.

17. This step requires an adult’s help. Ask an adult to cut the ends that you have been weaving, about 5mm from where it pops out (very close to the weave).

11. Take the right cord and feed it back through the loop on the left.

What do you do to help yourself and your family prepare for an uncertain future? “Self Defence, how to build tents and fires, wilderness skills.” Eve, 23, Kalgoorlie

Lighter

18. Ask an adult to heat up the loose paracord ends with a flame (such as a lighter) until it’s melted, and then press the melted plastic with a utensil or the metal part of the lighter. Don’t use your fingers! It will be very hot! Repeat on the other side. Now you are ready for the next step!

21. Then on each side feed through the ends of the cord that were prepared in step 19.

Almost done!

22. Your bracelet should look like this.

23. Now with both ends fed through the paracord weave, tie the two ends together. There are lots of different knot you can do. Maybe you could ask a friend to teach you one. Cut off the excess.

19. Once the weave is secured, cut the loop in the middle so the lengths are the same.

You could ask an adult to melt the tips of these so the paracord won’t unravel. Don’t worry if you can’t melt the ends.

20. Find the first loop that we put in the paracord from step 4. Using a pencil, gently open up the first loop so there is enough room to pass the paracord through. Repeat on the other side.

Wow ! Now you have a Cobra Weave Paracord Bracelet. Having a few metres of cord on your wrist at all times is handy, you never know when you might need it!

What is your best skill or character trait that would help you survive? “My love and squeezy cuddles.” Jack Clark, 3, Port Hedland

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What are other ways you could prepare your mind? Use this space to draw or write anything that makes you feel safe or happy.

COMMIT Do something meaningful!

Practicing slow breathing is a practical activity which positively contributes to overall mental health and wellbeing. This improves resilience and helps maintain perspective during stressful periods.

While preparing survival kits to assist in an emergency is a practical activity, preparing your mind is also a useful tool. The calmer you are, the more mentally prepared you will be to cope during scary or stressful situations. There are many techniques which can aid in managing thoughts and feelings. One method is to practice slow breathing. This is a way to “tune in” to the world, by paying attention to the present moment. Focusing on positive thoughts, and positive self-talk, can be calming and therefore useful during overwhelming periods.

PREPARING YOUR MIND

To practice slow breathing: Get comfortable Take a deep breath in and let your belly fill with air Breathe out slowly Repeat this breathing 3 to 10 times Do you feel more relaxed?

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COMMUNITY

There are lots of interesting prepping resources to be discovered within your local community. Here are some things to look out for:

• Pickling or fermenting workshops • Bushtucker or foraging tours • Cadet programs at your local youth group

And Also You don’t have to attend formal workshops to learn new skills. Friends, family or other members of your community might have some special knowledge they would like to share with you.

MOVIES AND FILM

The Day After, 1983, Nicholas Meyer The Day After Tomorrow, 2004, Roland Emmerich Into the Wild, 2007, Sean Penn On the Beach, 1959, Stanley Kramer

APOCALYTIC FICTION

Cormac McCarthy – The Road Emily St. John Mandel – Station Eleven Kim Stanley Robinson – New York 2140 Margaret Atwood – Oryx and Crake Nevil Shute – On the Beach

GUIDE

RECOMMENDED BY WRITING WA

A.J. Betts – Hive A.J. Betts – Rogue Ambelin Kwaymullina – The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf (Series: The Tribe) Annabel Smith – The Ark Rebecca Freeman – Alt-Ctrl Katherine Wilson – Tinkering: Australians Reinvent DIY Culture

LEARNING RESOURCES

Australian Army Education Services – Australian Bushcraft Colin Jarman – The Knot Tying Bible Climbing, Camping, Sailing, Fishing, Everyday Dave Canterbury and Jason A. Hunt – Bush Craft First Aid Samantha Martin – Bush Tukka Guide Vivienne Hansen, John Horsfall – Noongar Bush Tucker

The Australian Red Cross Have a survival kit checklist, alongside other resources to prepare you for emergencies. www.redcross.org.au

Act-Belong-Commit Have some fantastic resources to help prepare your mind https://www.actbelongcommit.org.au

Want to learn more about prepping? Here is a quick guide to inform and inspire your prepping journey.

Authors: Sarah Weber and Alexandria Fuller Design: Studio Papa

Front and back cover design: Dan McCabe

Paracord Bracelet Activity: Dan McCabe

The State Government supports ART ON THE MOVE through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The Act-Belong-Commit Engagement Program is sponsored by Healthway promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message.

ART ON THE MOVE

The National Exhibitions Touring Structure for Western Australia

117 Beach Street, Fremantle WA 6160

PO Box 550, North Fremantle WA 6159

T: (08) 9249 3479 W: artonthemove.art

Facebook: /artonthemove.art  Instagram: @artonthe_move #artonthemove #artmoves

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & CREDITSGLOSSARY

ANXIETY: Feeling worried, nervous or afraid. Anxiety is the bodies response to stressful situations. Some examples of feeling anxious are being afraid of the dark, being away from family or before a test. Can be problematic if symptoms become excessive or intrusive.

AESTHETICS: The way something looks or feels, especially dealing with beauty or taste.

DOOMSDAY: The event of a major crisis, or the end of the world as we know it.

FRINGE: To describe a person as being on the fringe, means they are unconventional, or different. They are on the edge (or fringe) of what is perceived as the norm and may not be accepted by others.

EMERGENCY: Serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action.

LOOM: An event (often threatening) that seems imminent.

NAVIGATE: To plan a course or route.

PREPPERS: A subculture of people that prepare for the collapse of society.

SUBCULTURE: A group of people who come together with shared beliefs or interests that often differ from mainstream ideas.

TINDER: Dry, flammable material (such as wood or paper) that can be used to start a fire.

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM: The process of removing chemicals, bacteria or other contaminants from water, to make it safe for drinking.