ayhusarts.com
It was definitely a different trip taking 15 kids on a trip to an island, to spent 4 days producing art as a way of self expression and therapy. Kat runs the Art Therapy program at our school, in conjunction with Sara the Art Teacher. Her father: Martin Place is a renowned artist on the west coast, who specializes in a range of artistic forums including Pottery, Water colours and Jewelry. He very graciously turned over his home and studio, to provide instruction and direction in the art process. It became very apparent what a gentleman and gentle soul he is. His patience and thoughtfulness with the kids we work with, showed having been a High School Art Teacher himself before he retired. To have such access to someone so talented and used to working with at risk kids, is immense. When we left after our time together, I just had to give the big man a huge hug!
So many portraits!
Having been part of groups going to Oregon to cycle 300km’s along the coast, I was surprised how more taxing it seemed on myself, Sara and Kat. Being around such a diverse group of kids, all with differing personalities and needs is emotionally draining! As a team, we’re constantly giving direction to each other (well, you know I need direction all the time!) and the kids, dealing with expectations, having open conversations, drama’s, triggers, consoling, cajoling, praising, supporting…its like one big therapy session with the energizer bunny. But, while I had a sigificant confrontation about out of control boundaries (involving graffiti drawn on my face, in a wild explosion of energy from the kids) what keeps you going is those simple kind gestures, and appreciation for just trying to be decent. One boy said: ‘You’ve still got a monobrow on your face’ and cleaned if off with a tissue. Many hug and live in the moment by enjoying shared humour. And when we do have to maintain our positions of authority, and attempt to do so one to one respectfully – they apologize. And, in many ways that’s what they most want: respect and a little care, which goes a long way.
...beautiful watercolours produced by H.
When we originally left, many of our colleagues, felt that because we were going to such a pristine, and wild place, we were in having some sort of working vacation. Having those kids that were more art inclined, somehow would be the more positive ones and therefore less difficult to manage. Well, it’s a beautiful locale we went to for sure. But it soon becomes apparent that all these kids are really survivors of circumstance, and each have their own issues. Without physical activity which distracts and manages emotionality, being in such close proximity for extended periods of time does present its challenges. The process of art clearly does help to focus their inner self and communicate those emotions outwardly. To see that in process, was quite amazing. I was very fortunate to be part of that process and be a student, like the others, of Kats direction. One really needs to be in the ‘zone’: a positive, relaxed space to be able to let that inner voice of doubt to quietin and allow the art to flow. One student continually struggled with this, and vocally projected doubt on her self, to the point of paralyzing any work she could possibly do. I could see that constant negative dialogue affect the others around them. One realizes how a child can be so affected merely from a constant background buzz of negativity around them.
An Eagle flys by as we leave Savary.....
It seems that the process of doing art, in any form, is so important and helpful as it is a form of problem solving: How can I make this pencil mark do what I want it to do; how can I form this clay into the image I have in my head. It was wonderful to see such emotional kids during the process of producing art. How they visible calmed themselves, with the motivation and self direction to keep going. And many produced great expressions of themselves through watercolours, pottery and free drawing.
Oh Fella!
One of the aspects of my job that I dearly love, is sharing that humour which develops in the moment, based on a mutual experience. Those developed quotations that summon up what just happened. Sara wrote those ones that just stood out on their own. While I loved my first attempts at pottery, my shaped bird I endeavoured to make turned out to look like a turkey. Hence ‘It’s a turkey!’ was a by word as I entered the house every time. Kat was disgusted, after we all eagerly waited to see what our cherished handmade clay objects would look like after each was glazed and baked to 1000 degrees C and mine came out very brightly red: ‘Its a fetus!!!” she shouted A song blasting from the headphones of one students declaring: ‘Calling all Bitches!’ was ripe to be ridiculed for all the right reasons…..which morphed into ‘Calling all Stupid People….’ which cracked Kat up no end! Inclusive humour is my toolbox. What can I use to connect with kids? I will blatantly use any (and most forms within respectful boundaries) to do so….Although a fart here and there never hurt anyone…..hahahaha!
Anyway, thank you Martin for generosity and kindness. It was a real pleasure to spent time together, share conversations, and witness the process of a true craftmen.
Kat and Sara: ditto (yeah, that’s all you get………………………………………………………ha! ;-))
The Dream Team....
Oh dear!....'The Fetus' by d.reid
Thanx for a great experience…..
peeeaaaccceeeee out sisters!
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