Residency- Burnsville, Talking Suitcase- Susan Armington- 4 Hrs
This week I felt less nervous working at the Ebenezer care center. I had already met many of the students last week, so I was able to engage more in the lesson. Susan and I started the day by getting our supplies grouped for each class. This week, we gave every one small boxes to create their scene within. Susan informed me that we would bring specific types of paper and fabric to each class, so that they could easily re-create their favorite place.
Once the supplies were sorted, we went to our first class. Susan had to get a cart from the front desk so that we could get all the supplies to our first location. We went in and started setting up. Again, I worked more one on one with a woman on her project. I experienced something wonderful when working with this woman. I had suggested giving her yellow and orange paper to create her mango tree. She declined and I asked her what color the mangoes were. She said they were green because it was a sour mango tree. I found it that she was dedicated to re-creating her scene. She remembered what those mangoes looked like and how they tasted. A crucial part of this lesson is really asking as many questions as possible so that the participants can have full autonomy over their work. While some struggle with the tactile process involved in the Talking Suitcase project, they are still the sole owner of their story and and forms of recreating it.
Before our second class, Susan and I re-organized our supplies and put the morning class boxes in storage. While sorting through paper I suggested that we make many bins that had all types of paper and fabric in them. There were so many bin designated to just a single type of material and I felt that it would be helpful to have many bins with a bunch of options in them that we could place around the tables. Susan said we should try it out so we did with our second class. This time we got a cart that will be designated to our workshop for the future. Since we have to move around to different locations in the center, it is really essential that we have a cart to transport our supplies. The new bins worked out well because the offered many different kinds of colors, textures, and patterns. They could also stay in one spot for a smaller section of people to use. We used this method of compiled materials for the next two classes.
I noticed that I was getting more comfortable having vocal conversations with each individual I worked with. There were some new faces in each group, but they were all very friendly and had interesting stories to tell. I also noticed that the people who join the workshop on a regular basis, are more engaged with the process of making. My plan for next week is to ask more questions about their stories and and how they remember them. I am excited to see who joins the workshop again, next week.
Residency-Avivo ArtWorks-Jes Reyes-5 Hrs
This week at the ArtWorks studio, I got to participate in some different activities. The day started out as it usually does. I did some sweeping, tidied up the supply closets, and began clipping magazines in search of interesting subject matter to divide into bins. I worked on that until 12:30 and then had lunch with Christi. We talked about college, sharing our individual experiences. It's always nice to connect with Christi.
After eating, I went to a workshop, held by Jes, dealing with time management and common obstacles that make things harder. We also talked about potential solutions to those obstacle as a group. Jes lead the class using the Work of Art presentation on time management and business skills for artists. Together we went through the presentation, sharing our struggles and tips. Jes demonstrated different methods of planning out time which included the SMART Goals model, vital versus trivial tasks list, and the time log chart. I found some of these methods helpful and will be trying them out this semester. I was truly grateful to be invited to this workshop because it gave me a sense of belonging. I feel like I am really involved and a part of the empowering ArtWorks community. I will surely attend more workshops in the future.
Once the workshop was over, we headed back to the studio to work on projects. I went back to my clipping briefly and then decided to try some photo transfers on a mat board. I was pleased to have two members join me for this activity. I demoed the application process and they made their our image transfers. This is exactly what I've been looking forward to. I am happy that some of the members were willing to try a new process and seemed engaged in my demo. hopefully more will join in next week.
I don't have pictures of the results yet, but here are a couple from week four.
The first image is a finished work by one of the members. They were inspired by a photo of a flock of birds on a cliff by the ocean. They worked diligently to get finish the drawing that day. I think the member chose some wonderful colors as they usually do. The second Image is a photo that the same member will use for the next drawing. I have a feeling it will be full of vivid colors and lively characteristics.
The two collages on the right were completed by myself and Mindy; another volunteer at ArtWorks. I started the collaborative project by making a collage with specific paper. I cut and pasted each shape one at a time until the small square, surface was covered with paper. Mindy decided to make another geometric collage using the same set of paper materials. It was a fun mini project that we got to share with the members in the studio.