In the midst of the Covid pandemic, humankind is at an existential crossroad: We can get through the health crisis and return to normal or we can realize that ‘normal’ was the problem and choose a better path. Normal has meant the Arctic ice melting, oceans warming; massive wildfires; extreme weather events, the extinction of billions of living creatures, governments and banks continuing to support and subsidize the fossil fuel industry, the very industry which is behind most of these climate emergencies. Normal has meant that the poor, the vulnerable, communities of color, have been targets of the oil industry’s pollution that makes them vulnerable to pandemics, and extreme weather events, none of which they are responsible for. Normal condemns our children to an unlivable future. There is an alternative and now, this year, is the time when we can make a paradigm shift to a safer, cleaner, more equitable and sustainable way of life.
The health crisis will pass, the climate crisis will not. That is why Judy Chicago, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Swoon, Fire Drill Fridays, Greenpeace, the National Museum of Women In The Arts, the Serpentine Gallery and I are inviting you are to participate in a global art project in which artists offer an alternative vision to normal, one that honors the planet and all living creatures, one that promotes equity and justice for all; one that offers hope in a world that is on the wrong track. During historic transitions, art has always been critical. It reminds us that the world as it is, is not all there is, that there are other possibilities to strive for. Art can jolt us open and penetrate our defenses so that we can see and hear what we have been afraid of seeing and hearing. Art can play a role in waking people up to the urgency and to the solutions.
So upload your creations to your own social media platforms and to hashtag #CreateArtForEarth.
Visit greenpeace.org/usa/createartforearth for more info!
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Alexandra
Hi Jane!
Thank you so much for championing this project! I was furloughed from Roadtrippers recently (not unexpected since travel has ground to a halt but a bummer, nonetheless) but I’m hopeful and will remain productive. I know I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to use this time to reflect, regroup, and continue to fight for those who don’t have the same privileges.
Since the D.C. Fire Drill Fridays, I’ve been searching for the best ways to utilize my writing and design skills to help spread awareness and inspire action. I thought I needed to travel across the country to better understand America (and myself), but I’ve realized that there is always more than one way to find what you’re searching for.
Art—in one form or another—has turned me from the dark toward the light many, many times in my life and I have no doubt it will many times again. It’s been crucial to the way I understand and communicate with the world; I’m grateful that FDF and Greenpeace recognize the power that art has to motivate and inspire action.
I’m excited to dive back into design and will share this project with my fellow creatives/activists!
xoxo,
Alexandra
Jane
I like your photo holding the sign. Thanks for submitting! xx
Kara
This is fabulous! Art is life! It’s so important in the lives of us all. On a daily basis. Whatever form of art you may love and enjoy making.
Alyssa
This is so exciting! Everyone in my household, including myself, is an artists of all different types!
I know you can sing and dance, but do you draw/paint?
Candita
Jane, I have been thinking about Dona she is usually very active on the blog, I hope she is well I send her blessings and good vibes.
Dona
Thank you, Candita! I so appreciate those wishes from you! I have been moving from one state to another and had no WIFI to continue with reading the blog. But I am fully moved now and so happy to reconnect here. I’ve really missed this. I also always pay attention to what you have to say. I have admired your loyalty. I’ve also wished that you could meet Jane. Maybe someday. Pleased stay safe. Dona
Dana Richardson
You inspired me to make a documentary film titled “California Landslide” that premieres on Earth Day. It is about the climate crisis in California and the impact global warming has on nature, animals, and humans! #CreateArtForEarth
Natalia
Hello Jane!
Wonderful! Art is a beautiful way to get through this quarantine…
Today the Planet thanks you very much for everything you are doing for it.
Thank you so much for inspiring us all the time and giving us so much energy.
XX from Argentina.
Natalia
María Lucía Pineda
A great project no doubt, but I’m here in Colombia where we reflect on Earth Day in the middle of a country that in the last decade has seen global warming and climate change in a very hard way, now in our northern desert there is drought that has extended for years, so people are almost without water, we are losing our snow capped mountains and the paramo in the Andes mountains, have unending rains. Here we really need action for industrialized countries to change from fossil fuels (although in a paradox, part of our economy depends selling oil and carbon) into more environmental fuels. Please keep up the work or our children will not have a world to live in.
Shayla
I love this :). Thanks for all you do, Jane!
Dona
Dear Jane, I made the move to AZ and just got my WIFI connection today. All this time I was acutely aware that I was missing all this important time on your blog seeing what directions you were taking. Through all the changes I was making, the long drive of a Budget van, each motel room with the virus lurking on unknown surfaces, losing my charge card,driving off without the gas cap after fill-up, the self doubt about my ability to do it alone, but I thought of your grit, your courage, and held it up in front of me and kept going. And I kept thinking, I’ve got to get there and get hooked up so I can read her blog. So here I am and what are you talking about is art and here I am with a room full of empty canvasses. It’s been so long since I held a brush. Another challenge. I guess it can’t be any worse than a non-writer having the audacity to write a screenplay for the three of you because Dolly asked the audience of real Hollywood screenwriters to write a sequel. Can it? We’ll see. Tomorrow, I will read all that I have missed including 541 emails of this new wonderful community that I have joined. I wrote the AZ Demo chairperson about wanting to make change and register here to vote. She sent me a form and told me the address to mail it to but it came back, so that is still unresolved. Nothing has been easy, but everything feels right about this move. I have prayed (don’t tell Lily) almost every night for you and her and Robert R. I have photos of each of you on my new bedroom wall. Stay well, stay safe, Dona
Candita
God to hear about you, stay safe!!
Ana Fernandes
Hi Jane!!
Today we celebrate the “Dia da Liberdade” (Freedom’s day), it honors the revolution that happened back on the 25th April 1974, known as the “Revolução dos Cravos” (“Gillyflower’s revolution”), which freed Portugal from dictature.
On April 24, a group of soldiers secretly installed the command post of the coup movement, in Lisbon. At 22h 55m, the song “E depois do Adeus” (“after the Goodbye”) is transmitted. This is one of the signs previously agreed by the coup-makers, which triggers the taking of positions in the first phase of the coup. The second signal is given at 0h20 m, when the song “Grândola, Vila Morena” by Zeca Afonso is transmitted, which confirms the coup and marks the beginning of operations.
The military coup on April 25th had the collaboration of several military regiments that developed a concerted action. The regime reacts, and the Minister of Defense orders forces to advance, in what is not obeyed, given that they had already joined the coup. Terreiro do Paço is occupied in the early hours of the morning. Salgueiro Maia later moves part of his forces to the Quartel do Carmo where the head of government, Marcelo Caetano, is found, who, at the end of the day, surrenders. In the aftermath, four people died when members of the political police (PIDE / DGS) shot at a group that demonstrated it’s premises.
Back in those days people weren’t allowed to gather, even in small groups. The analphabetism rate was 33,6%; movies, books, journals, everything that would come public was submitted to the “blue pencil”, the information was manipulated. The democrats accused of “political crimes” were judged in specific courts, with their sentence already determined; the judges, previously picked, legitimated the fortune, bypassing the fascism laws, intimidating lawyers and witnesses. Political parties were forbidden, there was only one, “The National Union”. The persecutions, tortures and arrestments of activists against the fascist dictature were daily. The political police (PIDE) used the torture (spanking, “statue”, sleep torture, humiliation) as a repressive method, with the intuit of gathering denounces against all the opponents and anti-fascists and, in particular, against the PCP militants and their clandestine apparatus. Only 47% of the population had access to canalized water, 58% to pumbling and electricity only covered 63%.
Women could be repudiated by their husbands if they were not virgins. Divorce wasn’t allowed by catholic marriage. The penal code allowed the husband to kill his wife (if they caught them being adulterous) and their daughters (if caught being corrupt). Women weren’t allowed to travel without their husband’s permission. The mortality rate for women in labour was 73,4% and only 37,5% of the delivers were held in health establishments. Only 25% of the working class were women and still they were denied carriers like magistracy, diplomacy, military and police; being a nurse or a flight attendant implied right´s restriction, like the right to get married.
It’s a very important day for our nation, it makes me so proud that the country got together and fought for the bigger cause and what women have conquered since then. Still a long way to go, but it was a start, and what a honorable one. But, at the same time, celebrating our freedom, I’m reminded of those nations which still live under dictature, of the women who are still cloistered in oppression and submission. It makes me so sad that this is still a reality.
Anyway, I don’t know why I wanted you to read this but I thought it was something of interest to share.
Hope you’re doing well,
Ana❤
P.S: the translations are really messy, I wish you could understand Portuguese 😔
Ana Fernandes
I forgot to explain! The revolution got it’s name because a lady distributed gillyflowers to the millitants, who then put them up their shotguns. Now, the gillyflowers symbolize the bravery and liberty of our country!
Laura
Hi Jane,
You’re totally right – what we perceived as “normal” wasn’t working and now’s our chance / time to change that.
Art can be so powerful and I look forward to following the Creative for Earth hashtag to see what wonderful things people produce. So far over lockdown, I’ve been teaching myself to play guitar – I’m eager to channel my creativity into being a part of this!
As always, thanks for the inspiration.
Laura. xx
Dona
LOVED the table read!!! Haven’t laughed and smiled this much in quite awhile. Thank you so much! I love seeing people being themselves. This was a special gift and leaves me hopeful that we will see more, more and more. As to all the comments from the many like me, I can only echo their applause, appreciation and yes of course, I would like it to go on and on forever but I know I need to be just appreciative for all that has been given. What a great story-telling, acting, casting, writing. Thank you each and every one for your special gift to us viewers. Feel the love and know it is real. You are part of us, your effort and creation will remain with us and lift us up no matter what the future brings. your fan with one N, Dona
Jennifer Clarke
My grand children are currently communicating with us via their artwork…so special in trying times. Stay safe Jane. Greeting from Perth Australia 💕
Robin C.
Hi Jane,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your FDF event this past Friday with Vanessa Nakate. I am amazed by how much she has done in Uganda and it was thrilling to listen to her speak! The young activists in the climate movement give me so much hope for our future and I feel really lucky to be a part of it myself. Our local climate strike was of course canceled, as well as all of our climate meetings here, so I am grateful to still have the opportunity to continue learning virtually. The teach-ins and Friday morning events have really helped me to discover other areas of climate change discussion that I have not always been familiar with, and I really look forward to watching each week. It is definitely helping me to feel that I’m doing my part! I am relatively new to this movement and have only been doing this for a few months, but I look forward to more organizing and hope to get a local chapter of Fire Drill Fridays started here as soon as everything is ready!
Thanks again for all your hard work. It is great to see so many people coming together for Earth Day events (I had 6 last week!) and I hope they continue to do so in the future. We need as many people as we can in this fight! I am inspired and will continue to do all that I can.
Stay strong!
xx Robin
Jane
Thanks, Robin. Stick with us. We’re building a movement for the long haul. This Friday, May 1st, is our virtual version of a rally. I think it will be interesting. We’re focusng on workers. it being May Day and all. xx
Jennifer
Miss Fonda,
It is difficult to articulate how deeply your story has resonated with me. Perfectionism, an inability to recognize inherent worth, a fear of intimacy, and disembodiment are all issues I continue to struggle with in my early 30s.
I really appreciate your honesty regarding finding (and the search for) true intimacy. I have been unable to move past that paralyzing fear myself. Try as I might, the response from my body tells me that I may have some sort of repressed trauma – I don’t know what it is, but something seems to be broken. I am very much looking forward to getting back to therapy once the world regains some semblance of order. In the meantime, it is difficult to try to connect with anyone because my lack of experience has been perceived as a turn-off or dealbreaker, which compounds anxiety, so I feel like I am running out of time.
I admire your bravery and your candor, and am so proud of you for doing the work. I hope to get there someday. It fills my heart to know that it is possible for someone like me to eventually reach a place of self-fulfillment. I hope this message finds you happy, healthy and whole.
With love and deepest gratitude.
Shel
Love you Jane!
I was wondering what the best address is to get a letter to you that will get to you personally.
Thanks.
Jane
Shel, it’s 1718 Peachtree St NW, suite 465, Atlanta, GA, 30309 but thge office is closed right now. xx
Graciela
Hi Jane, how are you?
Art moves crowds. I’ve been seeing people’s creations, they look great. I have an 8 year old niece, we almost quarantine together. He takes classes online but his best way to express himself is to “write stories” and illustrate them. Sometimes we get together, we make Origami and when creating a figure, each one of them, we stick them in a notebook and make a poem about them. We had fun creating the story and looking for the rhyme. Maybe I can upload what she does to the platform.
I follow you in your Fire Drill Friday’s, in your interviews, on your facebook and here.
Take care! Here we try to do it. You just have to find a way to beat the hours that pass. I am accompanied by books, music, television and … NETFLIX !!!! (and I learn English through videos !!!) 😜 and an irrepressible desire to hug my children and my friends and not being able to do it … sometimes it saddens me. 😞
I send you a warm hug from Uruguay. Quiero I love you so much. You are an inspiration to everyone !! 🌞
Stay safe! ❤️❤️❤️😍😷
Candita
Jane I loved that you celebrated May 1 for me is one of the most important dates of the year, I do not know why in your country don’t celebrate it, we must recognize all those fought for our rights as workers, in Mexico this date we recognize it a lot, and It’s very important.
Doralee Nation
anyperson for your twitter profile type as much the rosanna
Kara
Hi Jane!
I just wanted to start off by saying thank you! Firstly for this blog. I have spent the best part of this past week reading it entirely. I feel like I have traveled to some of the most beautiful places in the world! Hung out with some of the most interesting people, and I don’t necessarily mean the celebrities! Dug my heels and opened my heart to numerous important causes. Thank you for your incredible photos of the places you’ve been to and the many inspiring people you have met and are family & friends with! Your blog has been just a sliver of your life’s many journeys and I feel honored to have you share such fascinating moments of your life with us. It has felt like an extension of “My Life So Far.” You have inspired me in numerous ways and given me hope in many aspects of my own life.
So thank you, Jane. For being a true leader. A Shero. Using your life’s stage and your voice to do so much good and bring awareness to the many important causes and realities in our world.
To quote you by saying “you grew up in the shadow of a national monument,” I hope you have come to realize that you too are a national monument. I’m blessed to have discovered you only later in life thanks to watching Grace & Frankie with my mom. I am 37 years old. I have read all your books and because of your knowledge and wisdom I embrace and look forward to the later years in life. The best is yet to come!
With much love, respect & gratitude
Always,
Kara
PS- FDF Virtual May Day was outstanding!!! Love being part of this!
Jane
Thank you, Kara. That makes me happy. xx JAne
Dona
Jane, I’m sure you read the article in the New Yorker on May 1st by Kim Stanley Robinson since you are an avid reader. I just wanted to say that I have just read it and found it so profound. I found great awareness in her article regarding our feelings, our “choice” and our time in this point of history. The tension we have now is about that choice. Will we choose life not just for ourselves, but for the coming generations and the earth.
Every time I put a mask on I realize that it is not for my protection, but for others around me. But their protection is also my protection. If I improve their safety, I improve my own.
If we could only do something so simple for the earth. If we chose our bank, (I prefer savings and loans) as a simple task like putting on a mask, if we chose our credit cards as another mask for the earth, if we embraced these tasks as simple changes for the good of all, then the earth we love would be protected from fossil fuel, the corona-virus of our earth’s time now. If I could paint the picture now to show love of earth and our future generations, I would surround the earth with our masked faces showing each mask with a picture of a circle with hashline across the words, fossil fuel. Just a thought. XXDona
Jane
Beautifully said, Dona. Do it!
Dona
Jane, Okay, you said do it so I am starting on the painting. The idea has grown, becoming more than a sketch. It will take a long time as I am slow and it is complicated. Size 24″ by 48″. But I need to ask you this, if I put in your sign “Fire Drill Friday” with the Greenpeace name on it, do I need to get permission to use it? I plan to use Greta’s sign too. I think I can get away with portraits since I’m covering half the faces with the mask. What do you think? Sign in or sign out? Dona
Jane
Dona, no need for permission. Gppd luck. Stick with it. x
Allen
Dear Jane, call me Allen. I have written a comedy which would be perfect for you and Lily Tomlin. Btw, I will turn 80 in June and I’ve loved your work ever since Walk on the Wild Side. I never saw Tall Story. Anyway, the play to which I’m referring is entitled “Judith Desire.” God, you two would be fabulous in it and it would be a great TV special. I was totally depressed when G&F ended. I feel such a connection with both of you. Anyway, the play is a comedy about, of course, incest, and I wonder if you would read a copy if I e-mailed it to you. If I say so myself it’s hilarious. Impossible to describe comedy. I saw Lily Tomlin perform in SF in the early 80s and she was so great. Well, I don’t want to sound like a jerk. I’m from New York and when you see or meet a celebrity you’re supposed to behave as if they weren’t world famous. I’m rambling. I really think if you read JD you’d want to be in it. Also, I just saw Diane Keaton on Jimmy Kimmel. I think we, me too, are redefining what 80 means. It’s the new 50. Well, I am not computer savvy so here’s my email address if you think you might read the play. [email protected]. l guess you get lots of scripts so I totally understand if you want to pass. I also read the biography. Take care, from an admirer. Best wishes, Allen. And tell Lily hello, I don’t want to be at all pushy. But she did say you responded.
Jane
When we are once again able, the cast and crew of Grace and Frankie will resume filming the 7th and final season of the series. Bittersweet. Legally, I am unable to read your play allen unless it comes to me through an agent. It’s complicated but long ago I ran into trouble and I’ll never do it again. x
Allen
I am so confused by the electronic world. I will be 80 in June. I left you a note about a play I wrote that the entire Grace and Frankie crew would be great in and I wonder if you’ll read it. Can you let me know? If not, well, you are you and who am I? It’s a comedy about incest. Again, I don’t mean to waylay you but I left a long comment on your Facebook page. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I’ve been amazed by you ever since Walk on the Wild Side. Take care, and whether you answer me or not, please continue with Grace and Frankie. I felt a little lost when the final chapter came on. Love, Allen
Heather Bradley
Hi Jane Fonda! I’m a long time fan. My mom and I loved On Golden Pond, and everything else you’ve ever done. She passed last year in March, and I’ve become an even bigger fan since my mom’s death, because you remind me of her in the best possible ways.
I have been making pottery for the last 24 years, and it is on display in a gallery here in Santa Fe. I’ve also had solo shows in Los Angeles and other places. I’m a dedicated artist.
I’m wondering if you can give me some idea how I could have my artwork considered for Hollywood productions like Grace and Frankie? The artwork in the show contributes so much, and I would love such an opportunity. My work can be seen at http://www.heatherabradley.com
Thank you so much for all that you do for the world. Sincerely, Heather Bradley
Jane
Heather, I will pass this on to the appropriate person on the production. Your work is truly beautiful. xx Jane
Heather Bradley
Thanks Jane Fonda! I’m honored you took the time to look at my work ❤️Maybe one day I’ll see it on the big screen 🙂
Alexandra
Hi Jane!
Another great FDF today—I agree that they are a welcome balm, especially now. As I’ve said, my life has been so transformed (and continues to be) by the D.C. FDFs, and particularly the people I met there. In an attempt to better understand what motivates and inspires fellow activists, I thought I could write about how people try (in ways both big and small) to make the world a better place.
I’ve done two so far—both women that I met while getting arrested at a FDF. I know you speak so fondly of your time in D.C. and thought you might be interested in reading about what inspired others to join you (and how they view their own experiences).
https://alexandracharitan.com/blog/category/Feature
I hope to continue the series and tell as many stories as I can to try and motivate others the way I was by you and FDF. Can’t wait for your book to hear it all from your perspective.
xoxo,
Alexandra
Kara
Hi Jane!
Was wondering if you could share with us all of the wonderful photos on the wall behind you that are in this picture of you and that we see whenever you’re in this room for fire drill fridays! I can make out only a few of the amazing people, including the iconic picture of Gloria!
I know you’re super busy, but maybe eventually when you get a moment we would love for you to share your pictures & stories behind why they are important to you!
Love & Blessings,
Kara 🙂
Jane
Yes I will, Kara. Stay tuned!
Kara
Awesome! Thanks, Jane!!
Candita
Bravo Jane is a good idea, something nice in all the bad things that happen everyday.