Two very unlikely matches show the world how Art can bridge the gap between cultures and distance.
Graduate degree students in the United States and Elementary summer camp participants in Taiwan engaged in the same art projects for the summer. Matched 1:1, they shared their online portfolios and created dialogue about each others work. Despite age and developmental gaps, participants were able to learn about so much more than line, color and technique. Participants like Jessica and Charlie below, explored fear, hope and essential questioning. Here is a peak into their art work and conversations.
[Excerpts from shared Google Drive document]
Jessica: Hi Charlie! Wow I am so impressed with your artwork. Your “frightening” painting really fit your emotion perfectly. I loved the lightening bolts, along with the eyes looking down from the sky. The shapes you used were jagged and dark. It makes the mood eerie and suspenseful.
Thank you,
Jessica.
[Jessica starts a line of questions]
Jessica: In your description is says that you had a memory about this. Was it in a dream?
Charlie: It describes the time when I am frightened.
Jessica: Is this an alien in your picture? If so, why did you choose an alien? I love it because it looks like the alien was sent right from the evil sky above. Very creepy! If it is an alien, what do you think made people believe that aliens would be frightening?
Charlie: Yes. I chose an alien because I knew that it will look creepy. I think people are frightened of aliens because they are different and we don’t know if they will harm us or not.
Jessica: What has inspired you to be a pilot and a doctor?
Charlie: I want to be a pilot because I always wanted to fly. I also want to be a doctor because I would like to save people from dying.
[Charlie responds the next day with a proper introduction]
Charlie: Hi,my name is Charlie, I have some questions to ask you.
I like to draw. Do you like to draw? What do you like to do in your free time?
Jessica: I think it is interesting that you said an alien is scary because it is different and unknown. Some people do tend to be afraid of difference- I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing. What do you think?
Yes, I also like to draw. I wish that I did it more. I actually dance a lot in my spare time. RIght now I have been doing ballroom dancing, especially latin dance like salsa. I also like to spend time outside hiking, reading, and traveling. What do you like to do other than draw? What activities make you happy?
Charlie: Good Day Jessica,
Maybe I will am scared of things I don’t know about. I think it is a good thing. Because then it makes me learn more about the place or thing.
I don’t like to dance. Reading makes me happy. Also, traveling and playing makes me happy. I like to travel to other countries.
I liked this exchange a little bit. It was good to see other art work. We used many things to draw.
Thank you, Charlie
Jessica: Yes, I also like the exchange a lot. I’m glad that I got to speak with you about your artwork. I hope I will be able to travel to other countries. Do you recommend any for me to go to?
Playing also makes me happy! I am so impressed with your response about learning from people who are different. You are very intelligent and a gifted artist as well. 🙂
