Week 4, Residency 1. 2 hours. Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN.
Week four of my residency—classes have started at MCAD so I only spent one morning at MCBA. We had another group of young adults come in for a Sumingashi lesson, like the one two weeks ago. A different teaching artist was leading it, so I was able to get another perspective on teaching the content. The students each pulled several sheets of colorful marbled paper, using various techniques that were taught throughout the lesson. I noticed more this time that some students preferred one technique or were making up their own as they went along–there seemed to be a lot of freedom and less reliance on the structure of the lesson. I think this may have been in part with their teacher (from their school) who was with them. This particular teacher was very into the abstract nature of sumi marbling and was encouraging the students to push that, and interpret the work they made in their own way. A few students worked together to marble a sheet of paper; collaboration is near to my heart so this was fun to see.
I can hardly believe how fast the last few weeks have gone by. I’ve learned more than I thought possible in so short a space of time. It’s really changed my perspective and helped me overcome a lot of fears I had around working with people at different life and learning stages than my own (especially young children), and it’s grown my confidence in my ability to lead and be a positive influence in other people’s lives. I’m beyond thankful for that, and for the teaching artists who have supported me in this residency.