Residency-AVIVO ArtWorks-Jes Reyes-5 Hrs
Yesterday I completed my second day at Avivo ArtWorks. I have been walking over to the site from my house, which is about a twenty minute walk. So far, I find that this early expedition gets my blood flowing and helps me re-focus my thoughts. By the time I reach the front steps, I am eager and mentally prepared to start my day.
On this weeks Agenda, my first task was to organize magazines racks filled with an exuberant variety of titles. I was especially excited to see so many vintage articles. After I finished sorting, I was able to sit down and cut images out to be placed in separate bins. Jes informed me that I could cut out whatever I fancied as long as it was't excessively inappropriate, as are many cosmopolitan articles and photographs. Having developed a new fondness for collage, I was certainly entertained by the task. My main goal was to separate images into many larger categories such as color, text, landscapes, people/animals, texture/patterns, and objects.
I started this collage during open studio hours, hoping to motivate members to play with collage concepts.
Throughout the day I periodically added to the bins when it was't too busy in the studio. After I was done with my first round of clippings, Jes invited me to lead a mini collage demo, if members had an interest in working with the cut-outs. She generously set up a small work station with blank paper, scissors, tape, and glue. She also allowed me to work with the images I had cut out earlier. I did get to work with one member on an experimental collage, in which they incorporated drawing on-top of images. We both worked on our own pieces while offering insight. It was a new experience, but was also very helpful considering that I would like to lead more collage centered workshops in the future.
I revisited many of the members I had met last week. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces and continuing a conversation about their practice. I tried to be helpful when they had questions or concerns regarding colors and compositions. I am starting to feel that my advise is wanted, but am also learning a great deal from their methods as well. Jes was even working on a piece while I was there. It was a fascinating second day, filled with unexpected surprises.
Residency-Burnsville-Susan Armington- 1 Hr
After my day at Avivo ArtWorks, I headed to the MIA to meet with Susan to discuss our future plans for the Talking Suitcase project. We discussed transportation, scheduling, and teaching artist philosophies. The way she described her experience over many years of teaching was enlightening. I loved when she spoke about what she had discovered was at the core of these talking suitcases; the individual's story. We also spoke about accommodations that would vary from each site. She decided it would be best for her to start the first day alone, so that she could get a feel for the different spaces and facilities. I will hopefully begin in the next couple of weeks.