Embedded Stories Within A Family's Saved Artwork

The Journey and Technology

So, what do I know about this computer stuff? I had my first computer before most of my classmates were even born. Since then, I have owned approximately 11 computers. My first was an Apple computer. It had a 5 1/2 inch ridged floppy disc drive. We actually called them a Macintosh back then, and not a MAC. The only other people who had a computer were families who worked for IBM and were given one from work. It was like a secret club you had to belong to. These computers were massive beasts which took the brain of a scientist to run. No MS Window, we spoke in terms of DOS. You typed. That was about it. No one had a lap top. No one had a cell phone. There wasn't any hint of the internet. It was a very, very different world. Truly, a universe way from the techno-centric environment of today.

So.... now, I carry around my new IPHONE 4. I video the world around me and send it into imovie for kicks. Sometimes my mini flicks are shared with others. Sometimes they are a very personal narratives.

This morning, I video taped my 85 year old Dad telling a story I have heard 1000 times. This tale, which has been so familiar to me has now taken on new life. It is preserved. It is sacredly saved for future retrieval. I now, "hold" evidence of this story. Very cool! Very meaningful!

The Butterfly Lady and the 2th Grade Art Project

Carol D is an elementary art teacher. One day she decided after many years to change the traditional 2nd grade butterfly art project to something new. This year the children would not create artwork with the infamous Monarch Butterflies which Carol brought to the art room for study and artmaking. Upon hearing the change in projects, a very concerned and upset parent approached Carol. The parent made her plea for Carol to return the project. You see, in the family living room is a place reserved for the last of three child to move through Carol's art room. Carol MUST keep the project because the parent is counting on the third child's butterfly artwork to hang on the wall with her siblings. Carol returned the project. Once again, the butterfly art went home to all the family homes to be cherished and displayed.

The Jewerly Box; A Sacred Family Artifact

This year my friend Rebecca lost her Mother and Father. It was a difficult thing for her. A few weeks ago she told me a story about a jewelry box her father carved for her mother as an engagement present. He did not have the money for a ring so he hand carved the box with with great detail and love. He scribed her name on the top. A Rebecca told this story of her parents love and simple beginnings, her emotions were very endearing. The box is still in Canada with her sister for safe keeping. It was apparent how this simple box is a true family artifact and reflects a deep narrative of her parents love for each other.

James D - 4th Grade Drawing

I was just looking through some of my elementary school artwork over the summer. I found a drawing that we did in 4th grade which is now back on my moms fridge. The drawing is of someone on fire "stop drop and roll"ing. I remember talking about fire safety with the fire department and we had to make a drawing. Some of my classmates drew the firemen and a firetruck, or matches and how they are not safe to play with. The drawing is pretty nice, you can tell what everything is about easily, and I was proud of it. In a way I kind of still am.

Brennan W's Monkey

I recently found a piece of art created by me as a child. It is a monkey hanging upside down from a tree carved into a scrap piece of wood. I remember that I made it for my grandma, and monkeys were my favorite animal growing up. My grandpa gave me a hammer and a flathead screwdriver and showed me that you can draw with them. Now when I look at the piece I am surprised that I made it. I must have been really focusing or really familiar with monkeys at this point because the body parts are all there no missing limbs or parts. I feel the piece is important to me because without my knowing I started to develop a hands on 3-d style when I was young. Now my preferd working method is 3-D.. I wonder why.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Embedded Stories Within A Family's Saved Artwork

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