As I've mentioned before I have been volunteering at p:ear a nonprofit downtown. Tomorrow has finally come! My first curated gallery opening. It is really great to see the efforts put into this show materialized before me. Better than that; to work with an artist excited to integrate the students' work in with his own, truly collaborating beyond the wall space, but in spirit and energy. The walls and use of space is sporadic, in high volume, intimidating upon approachment, and consistent in its inconsistency. The media itself is bold in color, imagery, and line work. It is self defining and forces the viewer to accept its presence, leaving it up to you, to find your place within it. A very honest reflection of the whole inspiration for the show.
Yesterday and today, I have been spending ample amounts of time at p:ear, as I will be for weeks ahead. 2-3 mornings a week I will be hanging out with the kids. Yesterday was my first REAL time there. I feel a bit of awkwardness, not sure where to sit, what to do. I've decided to take a backseat approach. Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and sketch. I notice one of the students watching me draw. Do I say something? Try to "connect". But, wait, what's okay to say, and oh crap my sketch looks like an angry face. Gah, is it okay to draw this, should I draw something happier? He seems mesmerized with my motions. Content. I realize we are 'connecting'. Through steady motions a mental connection is made. He doesn't want to be approached. Talked to. Even looked at. The beat of controlled, repeated line work, kept a subtle intriguing eye. A volunteer tries to approach him, ask if he's interested in photography, makes awkward conversation telling him about programs. To which he replies he's been in and out of p:ear for 5 years, cutting the one sided conversation short through his detatched yet abrupt sentence. He knows the drill. To which he then, got up and left.
Finding my place is tricky. The students are extremely sensitive to which has already been challenged today. The scariest balancing act I've ever been apart of. I use sketching alone at the table as my 'in'. Letting them approach me when they're comfortable. So far it is working well, while also giving me time to analyze each student before having to talk to them. Their rhythms are not mainstream. I have learned it is not just my relationship with them that needs balance and definition, but I'm also the adjoining link between them and the artist, another relationship that needs to be defined and balanced. I'm extremely honored to be approached with problems and concerns. I want to be approachable. Sensitive to feelings. Trusted within the community. It is absolutely terrifying.
I see and feel the potential of working and growing at p:ear. I am excited to come more regularly. It is humbling. It is like the creation of a sketch. I need to go more often, provide a sense of stability and repetition. Let the experience flow, controlled, but not letting the mind over power too often. Have fun, and realize, we're all people, just looking for acceptance, laughter, and a little food on the side.
Yesterday and today, I have been spending ample amounts of time at p:ear, as I will be for weeks ahead. 2-3 mornings a week I will be hanging out with the kids. Yesterday was my first REAL time there. I feel a bit of awkwardness, not sure where to sit, what to do. I've decided to take a backseat approach. Grab a cup of coffee, a pen, and sketch. I notice one of the students watching me draw. Do I say something? Try to "connect". But, wait, what's okay to say, and oh crap my sketch looks like an angry face. Gah, is it okay to draw this, should I draw something happier? He seems mesmerized with my motions. Content. I realize we are 'connecting'. Through steady motions a mental connection is made. He doesn't want to be approached. Talked to. Even looked at. The beat of controlled, repeated line work, kept a subtle intriguing eye. A volunteer tries to approach him, ask if he's interested in photography, makes awkward conversation telling him about programs. To which he replies he's been in and out of p:ear for 5 years, cutting the one sided conversation short through his detatched yet abrupt sentence. He knows the drill. To which he then, got up and left.
Finding my place is tricky. The students are extremely sensitive to which has already been challenged today. The scariest balancing act I've ever been apart of. I use sketching alone at the table as my 'in'. Letting them approach me when they're comfortable. So far it is working well, while also giving me time to analyze each student before having to talk to them. Their rhythms are not mainstream. I have learned it is not just my relationship with them that needs balance and definition, but I'm also the adjoining link between them and the artist, another relationship that needs to be defined and balanced. I'm extremely honored to be approached with problems and concerns. I want to be approachable. Sensitive to feelings. Trusted within the community. It is absolutely terrifying.
I see and feel the potential of working and growing at p:ear. I am excited to come more regularly. It is humbling. It is like the creation of a sketch. I need to go more often, provide a sense of stability and repetition. Let the experience flow, controlled, but not letting the mind over power too often. Have fun, and realize, we're all people, just looking for acceptance, laughter, and a little food on the side.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Post a Comment