 |
|
|
 |
Family Arts Program:
"My Stuff in a Box"
A 5 week course for preteens and parents transforming personal treasures into art.
|
|
 |
|
 |
The Threads That Play My Heart
Children don't define who I am,
they simply warm my soul.
The seam that keeps me together.
– Lydia
|
Real Gift Boxes
Everyone collects something, even if it’s not on purpose. Think of those single earrings you can’t bear to throw out. Sometimes it is a matter of holding on to that spare part, whether coffee pot or vacuum cleaner. Children are natural hoarders… old toys, books, baseball cards, etc.
|
|
|
 |
| Jungle Theater – Jordan |
A project based on this idea seemed like it would fine common ground between middle school teens and their parents. I called the project, “My Stuff in a Box.”
We visited the Museum of Modern Art to take inspiration from another collector, the former Queens artist, Joseph Cornell. He, too, began collecting when he was young. Although untrained he later became inspired enough by the surrealistic works of Dali and Chirico to create box sculptures uniquely his own.
The participants were then invited to go on a scavenger hunt at home, gathering items by theme, color or at random.
 |
 |
| Wheels - Moveable, fast engine. Love them. Fast rotation, tricks. – Lucy |
Each week everyone returned, dashing in from work, uptown, downtown, meetings and the usual frenzy of family commitments. The room became hushed with focus and a deep level of involvement whatever the age.
No one seemed without idea or purpose so I never had a clear picture of anyone’s theme until the final revelation, which I think accounts to some degree, for my awe.
Cynthia, Lucy's mother, stays focused. |
Lucy
She is beautiful, Chinese, Born the Year of the Rat, brings double happiness, Loves jewelry, the beach and has a bit of her mom (the snake). – Cynthia |
 |
| Martinez and Sapphire Rose (Lydia's children) |
 |
| Danielle's gift to her sister |
The last night, as each participant shared the title and idea behind their piece, I was once again humbled by the insight and imagination with which the projects were constructed.
Hearing each story was like the unwrapping of a gift. That is what was truly revealed last the night, the gift of each participant’s uniqueness, each one’s special vision.
What is so remarkable to me while our visions change all the time, these were caught in the moment and shared by all privileged to be together.
 |
| TIME – Mary (Jackson's mom) |
 |
 |
Silver Time
These objects felt like they went together because of their similar colors.
– Camilla |
My Rose
Inspired by a quote from the book, "The Little Prince" and what makes things meaningful. The box contains the quote and a copy of an original illustration of the little Prince.
– Rita (Camilla's mom!) |
 |
 |
| Camilla displays her box. |
Where Will It Fall?
"This box is about life and you never know what you're going to get."
– Jackson |
 |
Our composite sculpture using all 15 boxes!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
