As I mentioned in my previous post, the results of the
Jelly-wish Fish project would be tabulated and recorded. I finally found my
notes, tucked into other assorted papers, hence the delay. A minor digression
first to mention an observation about our young people…..during my art class
this week I had 14 kids aged 12 – 14, all boys except one.
One of our activities is to discuss different types of art.
I give them chalk and chalkboards to work as teams to come up with as many as
they can think of in 90 seconds. The most was 7, then 6 then 4. (three
teams). Only one team spelled their
words correctly. The other two boards were an exercise in deciphering assorted
letters that were supposed to be real words. I asked if spelling was part of
their curriculum (after I explained what a curriculum was)…no. They don’t have
any spelling lessons. No need too, computers do it all. So here are a few versions of what now passes
as art terms and other words….
Arbstuck (abstract); gatar (guitar); sceting (sketching); sculptur
(sculpture); bannanna (banana)… oh never mind…it was abysmal. Not to mention
that they are sitting in a studio surrounded by different forms, colors,
styles, images and yet nothing much came to mind. However, after 6 hours, they had experienced
pencil, patterning, watercolors, simple design and principles of composition,
threading a needle and sewing on both a patch and a button among other
activities in the allotted time. Somehow those last two activities are always
the highlight of the day and rather difficult, but very much appreciated. So my
wish for the Jellyfish is that spelling for accuracy, memorization,
understanding of the basics of language structure and just plain brain
engagement become part of our educational standards once again….but as I said
on our Community Participation Project disclaimer, there is no guarantee that
the wishes will come true.
Okay on to the statistics. Once our First Friday visitors
understood the concept, tagging the Jelly became a popular activity. Only a few
folks required good natured strong arming to get them to engage. My policy is
that no one may exit Snarky Art through my McKinley door until one has left
their mark. I guess a lady in a top hat is unnerving enough that just my
disapproving glare for those who said they had not participated will cause an
about face. You teachers know that “look”.
Final tally was 120 tags on the tendrils. One written in
Greek and one in Japanese so I could not record their sentiments. The majority
of wishes were for the usual health, happiness, peace and goodwill etc.
standard beauty queen answers. A couple were obviously being snarky…like
wishing to be hit by a bus (I know who you are and that was not what you really
wanted….). But a fair number really gave this activity some thought and were
genuinely in tune with the concept. For those who do not know about the
tradition of a wishing tree here is what was posted on our board: A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by
species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and
offerings. Such trees are identified as possessing a special religious or
spiritual value. The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are located in Hong Kong near the Tin Hau Temple in
Lam Tsu. Two banyan trees are frequented by tourists and the locals during the
Lunar New Year. Previously, they burnt joss sticks, wrote their wishes on joss
paper tied to an orange, and then threw them up to hang in these trees,
believing that if the paper successfully hung onto one of the tree branches,
their wishes would come true. In Glasgow's Hidden Garden at Pollockshields and at the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland, a number of trees have been planted onto
which people can tie white labels, on which they have written their wishes.
In Hindu mythology,
the banyan tree is also
called kalpavriksha, meaning "wish-
fulfilling tree", as it represents eternal life because of its seemingly
ever-expanding branches.
What follows are a few of the wishes left on our “tree”
(adjusted for privacy): Open an art
gallery --- life would turn around this year --- not to be afraid, stand up for
myself --- never reach the limits of my own motivation --- house will sell ---
remain financially secure --- be free from anxiety --- live a year of feeling
good about everything I do ---I wish to marry (name) --- new adventures and new
love --- a year of family as everyone grows older and moves on --- babies!!
(mentioned 3 times) --- to touch a student’s life --- get back with my
ex-husband --- a wish for common sense for all of us --- for people not to look
at me in disgust --- to thaw a frozen heart --- to make a different ---
I will admit that I was extremely moved my many of these
and I too hope their wishes come true, many of these behaviors would benefit us
all. Thank you everyone who participated
or just came by to see us. Anyone who is working at their own galleries,
studios, restaurants, shops, etc and are actively “on duty” on a First Friday, we
are all working to fulfill our roles and make these monthly events something
that brings us to the attention of the general public who will then patronize
our venues the remaining days of the month. However… there are those who are intrinsically
part of this process that rarely make an appearance, so please put us on your
list of places to stop by and actively participate. We only request a few
moments of your time and the show of support is greatly appreciated!
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