Visionary

This time it was time for me to take a risk and step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I had wanted t o play around with shapes and tessellation but also the concept of fragmentation and the whole. And so I ventured out and took on a wall with an idea and concept but no defined idea or finished product.

It was great to manage a complete wall single handedly without the help of others as a good way to test out my discipline. Having prepared the wall the day before it was time to take the leap and also to face the fear myself.  To the average artist the notion of putting your art on the wall for public viewing and having the potential of it being rejected should not really be daunting but it has been a giant in my thinking for quite some time.

I started and the process seemed relatively plain sailing and then it came to putting paint onto the wall. I guess there was no going back form this point and I had to make this move sooner or later so it happened. As colour hit the walls it was a interesting transition from being afraid of rejection to being free to walk away and not caring too much if it came out ‘right’ or not. It was incredibly freeing to let the art just be what it is and not have to explain it and justify it. 

And as I was merrily getting covered in paint two of the youth came over and wanted to discover something new. Without hesitation they joined in and I realised I had reached that point where I no longer cared about it being mine nor that it had to be of significance. It became a shared piece and experience.  More than this though I realized I had built the relationships with some of the youth now that they no longer hesitate to talk to me and they don’t need encouragement to get involved. They had the confidence to step out with me and we had a relationship of trust and creativity. The final art piece was no longer the end goal.

And it’ s still a work in progress….. I’m not sure I am fully satisfied with the final outcome but I am happy to walk away and leave it be as it is. 

Emma Ramano

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPRESSION

Emma, the volunteer from the UK, writes about being the judge of the dancing competition that took place on Friday, May 9 as part of Proyecto Horizonte's Anniversary Week celebrations:

It is one thing to be in the competition and spending the hours rehearsing for the final performance but it felt very strange to be on the other side of the table. Crowds had gathered and were ready to be entertained.  Score sheet in hand and pen at the ready it was a new experience for me. But I loved it.

To say that these young people have incredible confidence would be putting it very simply. They had smiles on their faces and the shyness that normally accompanies them was nowhere to be found. They love to dance in Bolivia and tonight was no exception. It was so heart-warming to see the level of commitment that these young people and children had dedicated to their dancing. It was a privilege to be able to be watch them perform and have chance to help decide who would be involved in the final grand finale on the following night. Both young and old were entertained thoroughly and there were moments as a judge where I was impressed by the skills of the dancers. In both categories individual and group dance there were highlights of great creativity, flair and expression. It was great to see them shine and perform so well and with such passion.