Dwelling
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Fabric, thread, wire, foam board and fabric dye
3.5’’x 7’’x 3.5’’ (each house) or approximately 4’x 4’x 4’ for installation
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I decided to create an installation piece to reflect on my community art education practicum at St-James drop-in center in downtown Montreal. At this site, where several practicums have taken place in the past and where participants are marginalized members of the the community, some of which are practicing artists, art educators have to think outside the frame to come up with new and exciting lesson ideas. Rather than documenting my experience at the center in traditional journal entries, I wanted to incorporate various materials and techniques in novel ways that would draw in the audience. The suspended houses invites viewers to walk around the installation and observe the details of the embroidery and fabric dye accentuated by the lights inside.
The unit plan I taught during my practicum focused on decorative art forms and how they can be applied to meaningful contemporary artworks. For this piece, I dyed the textile myself using spontaneous gestures to create random patterns that served as the backdrop for the meticulously embroidered images illustrating some of my most significant experiences at St-James. Throughout my practicum, I felt that the relationship building aspect of my experience took precedence over the lessons that were taught, the artworks created and all the factors we try to anticipate and plan as art educators.
Each of the houses’ embroidered images represent a particular anecdote, conversation, member or situation I experienced throughout my practicum.
The Shoes:
The pair of shoes references a conversations I had with a member who started coming to the workshops regularly this semester. In one of our very first conversations, he complimented my boots. This point of contact made through my footwear was the beginning of a relationship and the beginning of his active involvement in the workshops. These little comments which highlight common taste or a desire to establish contact are conducive to understanding where the other person is coming from. I don’t think it is possible to “walk in someone else’s shoes”, but by drawing attention to such little things as footwear can help bridge the gap between individuals.
The Horse:
Horses were a recurring subject of interest for many participants. During the workshops and during their personal practice in the art room, several members would depict horses and other animals as well. Discussing their interest in animals was useful in establishing rapport, especially with the more interpersonally challenging members. Making the workshops accessible to all was an ongoing objective. Allowing members to depict animals in their artworks or to talk about animals during the workshops made the art making more welcoming and more enjoyable for those who didn’t consider themselves as “arty” or those lacking inspiration.
The Rabbit:
In the weeks leading up to Easter, one of the regular participants drew our attention to the rabbit shape in the Hudson Bay when seen upside down. The rabbit became a subject of interest for him for many reasons. I found this observation was an accurate representation of this member. He always tried to think outside the frame, to challenge the status quo and to use the materials and techniques introduced in his own unique way. Although I had looked at the map of Canada numerous times, I had never noticed the rabbit shape. This is an example of the many things I have learned from the members and the shift in perspective they stimulated.
The Cross:
Throughout my practicum, members have brought up some delicate conversation topics. I depicted a cross, like the one on the Mont-Royal summit to represent religion, one of the most touchy subjects addressed. When trying to stimulate conversations and collaboration within such an eclectic group, it was essential to promote a positive group dynamic and a comfortable atmosphere for all participants. While freedom of expression was always encouraged, respect for others’ beliefs, opinions and feelings within the space prevailed. The Mont-Royal cross acts as a common point of reference, as a symbol of Montreal, the city they all inhabit despite their differences.
The Flowers and Diamonds:
The inconsistent flower pattern references my lessons’ textile design and decorative art inspirations, the artworks produced during the many workshops and the flow of the practicum as a whole. As an art educator, I tried to be as prepared and organized as possible but there would always be unexpected occurrences that would disrupt order. The embroidered flower design appears to be repetitive but becomes increasingly inconsistent as it spreads out. The composition of the flowers also references the inconsistencies in participation from week to week. On some weeks, we had two full tables while on other weeks, we had just two or three participants. Attendance was one of many uncontrollable and variable factors we had to adapt to each week but that made each workshop unique and my whole practicum experience so rich.
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