Sunday, December 22, 2013

Painting Workshop at Cleo's


Today we met to paint at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. There, we discussed the progress of the mural, had a great (and tough) discussion about debated roots of violence, and painted for about 3 hours. 


Artists Kathryn, John, and Leticia admire their work and discuss what should be added. 

Artists Suzie, Fred, and Tracy engage in discussion about the causes of domestic violence.

Leticia and Kathryn hammer furring strips into the plywood to prepare another panel. 

I add brown paint to the soiled dove of innocence. 

John paints a picture of a boy who is condemned for crying. This painting depicts how the socialization of male aggression starts when society tells boys that they can't show emotion or cry, but instead have to be "tough" and "strong" in order to be masculine. The caption reads: "Quit crying. Be a man." 

Tracy gathers inspiration from Leticia's collection of magazine clippings. 

Fred designs a table with a message in braille. This portion of the mural, made with glass stones,  expresses the (often forgotten) prevalence of violence towards people with disabilities. 



A girl holds the soiled dove of innocence. This picture demonstrates how girls are socialized at a young age to think that physical beauty is the most important aspect of being female. This can later lead to deep securities, body dysmorphia, depression, and the hyper-sexualization of girls/women in our society. 


This three panels are the "dark" part of the mural and represent the roots of domestic violence in our culture. 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Earthlinks Workshop Day Two


Dec 20th, 2013 - Earthlinks Workshop Day Two



One of the crucial partners in this effort, is Earthlinks, a nonprofit that works with homeless and low-income individuals facilitating various Earth-friend products that help to sustain the planet and people. As their members put it: "We are a community of people who are currently experiencing or who have previously known homeless. Together, we care for each other and for the Earth". 

Women of the world paint a multiracial hand



Artistic director, Leticia explains her vision for this panel. 




Kelly Shinn, the Workshop Program Director at Earthlinks, generously offered her time and space to let us paint. 

Risa Murray, an experienced artist, paints a dancer reaching towards a hopeful future. 

Although there is still a ways to go, we got a lot done in an hour!

Thanks so much to Earthlinks, Leticia, the artists, and my mom for their efforts today! There was great conversation and excellent progress. Until next time! 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Earthlinks Workshop Day One


December 4th, 2013 - Earthlinks Workshop Day One




Artistic Director, Leticia, updates the artists on the purchase of the panels and notifies them that they will be at Earthlinks in a couple weeks for the artists to paint! 

Arists Muzzette and Suzie listen as Leticia and I explain our vision.

We sat in a circle sharing our favorite art mediums, favorite symbols of peace, and personal stories about violence in the home. 


During individual brainstorming time, artist Muzzette writes a beautiful poem about her experience with DV. 

Leticia and Kelly write down thoughts about additions to the mural.