Kay recently started a class at NewCountland senior center where she will be doing a project with the seniors living there. The project is based on doing interviews with them about their childhood homes and then thinking about a specific object that is important to them which we later incorporated in an art piece they will work on. I'm excited to be a part of this class and be able to hear the stories of these individuals.It's set up so every college volunteer interviews a senior and exchanges stories.
My first time helping out was a bit surreal because I have never spent a long time with seniors before. I feel now that it's so important to talk with them and hear their stories not only for them but also to preserve history.
I think this project is going to be very exciting and I've already had a great time stepping out of my comfort zone and talking to people I usually wouldn't.The most challenging part for me is communication. The women I'm interviewing seems to have dementia and is also extremely hard of hearing but I know she remembers a lot, I just have to find a way to dig it out which is a fun challenge for me and hopefully also for her.
Volunteering at the nursing home has also made me think a lot about life and how important it is go out and talk to people. I’m so excited that Kay is letting me be a part of this project because I feel like it’s so important how she is connecting with the community and making actual relationships with people through artwork.
As an illustrator, most of my time is spent inside drawing. It can be a very seclusive lifestyle but Kay’s way of making art is so much different and involves people from all around! I really appreciate how Kay’s work gets me out and about. I love how she is constantly making new connections with all sorts of different people. it makes me want to get out and do the same! I’m learning that being an artist doesn't necessarily mean you have to live a seclusive and indoor life and that you can do things with your art practice that includes and helps others in need. It’s so important to me to find a way to use my illustration in a way that also helps other in need. I’m so glad to be a part of something bigger than just me!
Hi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that reading about your internship, and alumni Kay through your blogs has been really interesting. I love how she's using what art means to her to reach others lives through storytelling. It's really great to hear that fine artists can not only have their professional career, but also use their art to touch others lives. Moving forward in my career I definitely want to do something like that too. Also, it's really awesome that you're learning so much about yourself as an artist too. I hope you keep learning a lot, and have a great rest of your summer!