When was the last time you did something that was work-related and felt so satisfied from that experience that you actually thanked yourself for having made the choice to follow that career path? That high level of satisfaction was all mine as I worked with a group of ladies at the Wyandanch public library who for the first time last week, had a go at textile designing and fabric stamping…on silk fabric, no less !
It was not the resulting designs that each participant executed that caused this level of excitement and satisfaction. It was the way they each looked inwardly to draw strength and determination to get there. It was the intense nature of their interaction with the tools, their determination to master tools they were unfamiliar with, the ease with which they connected with me as their facilitator, the presence of great camaraderie, and last but by no means least, the sense of pride they each exuded as they modeled their final product. Enough said, see for yourself by watching the presentation below.
I invite your comments and the sharing of your latest experience on the Joy of Self-Actualization.
Libraries, schools and community organizations can request this and other social and cultural art-related workshops that can be tailored to their needs or desires.
The visuals of what appeared to be a whirlwind workshop experience at the Wyandanch Public Library yesterday, speaks volumes of the impression I walked away with. While I believe the photos adequately depict the atmosphere and experience at the library, I feel compelled to express the joy and excitement I felt as I worked with a group of students who were ‘hungry’ to learn new techniques and new ways of expressing themselves. This point needs to be made because I find it contrary to popular belief that high school students don’t want to be bothered at the end of the day – after ‘doing’ school especially by people they are not familiar with.
I could not have wished for a better group of participants who kept me on my toes as they went through the arduous and sometimes frustrating process textile designers go through to put their point across.
Here are the sentiments which did not show up in the previously published post:
Since, I cannot in good conscience consider the workshop participants’ comportment and commitment to the task at hand a mere coincidence, I must thank the good villagersof Wyandanch and give them due credit for the effective role they collectively play in the lives of our youth. Kudos to the parents and caring community members, the Wyandanch library director who stopped by for a pre-workshop chat, the Youth Program Coordinator and library staff who pitched in to make this a wonderful experience for all, and the leadership of the Wyandanch High School who undoubtedly foster a sense of discipline in their students. Keep it up!
In Memory of the Dearly Departed: Hand-Stamped inspiration from the Ghanaian Adinkra Cloth traditionally worn by royalty. The color scheme of this handcrafted cloth determines its use-as a mourning cloth or on festive occasions.
Participants at work with inspiration from authentic Ghanaian Adinkra Cloth displayed on table
Proudly wearing his art: I am proud of him too!
Thank you for offering to help carry my supplies container to the car.
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To request My Time Has Come Program workshops for your library, school or community organization, please contact us by filling out our website request form or, email the teaching artist directly.
My Time Has Come Program
Promotestolerance to racial, cultural, ethnic and generational differences.
Fosters a sense of belonging, accomplishment and pride gained from the creation of well executed culturally inspired works of art.
Develops skills in the use of hand-crafted textile designs, contemporary and multi-cultural visual arts techniques.
