Butterflies, with their vibrant colours and fast but free movements, have become a symbol of inclusion, diversity and transformation.
I recently painted a huge rainbow butterfly mural for Steel City Sports, the Inclusive Sports Community in Sheffield. We were so excited to work together not only because of their big empty wall and my desire to put some colour on it, but also because of my focus on antiperfection and their ethos of teaching their gymnasts a growth mindset and balance (emphasising effort, good strategies, and input from others: more info on growth mindsets here).
The butterfly seemed particularly relevant as we both also believe in the ability of individuals to transform themselves, and I especially wanted to give some support to the trans community during this time in which it feels like they're under attack on so many fronts. So the Butterfly of Transformation was created, and I plan to paint another one, with its beautiful mismatched wings which give a nod to dual gender butterflies.
Here are 4 ways that butterflies are super cool and awesome:
- Butterflies go through a process of transformation, from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly. This can be seen as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. It reminds us that change is a natural part of life and that everyone has the potential to transform themselves.
- Butterflies have the ability to migrate over long distances and survive in challenging environments. They are often seen as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that we can overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity.
- Butterflies are an important part of many ecosystems, playing a crucial role in pollination and food webs.
- Badibidu comes from my childhood name for caterpillars, and I'm so proud of the gorgeous butterfly Badibidu is turning into!
In conclusion, butterflies represent diversity, transformation, hope, resilience, and connection to nature and they're just joyously beautiful really so we should be protecting and celebrating them!
