I spend half of my week in prison and to me it has just become another aspect of my job. However, I forget that to anyone else, working at a prison may be an uncomfortable and unfamiliar concept. I have become very accustomed to casually throwing out “ alright, I am off to prison now” in an often too enthusiastic tone, which throws many people off. To most, when they hear the words “going to prison” they associate it with a person who has committed a crime and is going to a place of terror and bestiality, locked behind cemented pentagon-type structures. Because I am not allowed to take a camera, I thought I would provide a brief description of what the Mitchellville prison for women is like. I go to prison for two reasons. The first is to teach an art class, the second is to visit a lovely young lady (who I will call S. for confidentiality purposes) to cover her history of domestic violence.
The visitors room.
When I visit my client S, we generally meet in the visiting room, which is open from Friday to Monday. Before you enter any of the prison facilities you need to go through a security check and identify yourself and the person you are there to visit. The guard checks my ID, my pockets, my shoes and my belongings. There are very strict rules about what you can and can’t bring to prison, so I generally just arrive with a sweater, a regular pen, a plain notebook and a bag of quarters. The quarters are for the dispenser machines for S. Once all of my personal items are disclosed, I proceed to walk through a metal detector and after being cleared, my right hand is stamped with a clear fluorescent symbol, which I will have to show on the way out. The whole process oddly resembles an airport security check combined with I.D. verification before a concert.
When I leave the security/check-in building, I walk into a small gated courtyard and wait for the metal gate to click open. After closing the gate, I walk into the visitor building, where I am greeted by two security guards. I tell them I am hear to see S. and one of them picks up the microphone and metallically pronounces “S… to the V.R, S… to the V.R” (V.R. stands for Visiting Room). The V.R. contrary to popular belief is a lively place with paintings on the walls and a lively atmosphere. Generally, you can see children walking around, playing rambunctiously meanwhile inmates sit with friends and family engaged in laughter, a game of cards or simply adoring stairs. The smell of pop corn wafts through the air, as a display of soda pops and candy wrappers decorate the stale grey tables.
When S. finally shows up, I am greeted with a hearty smile. Once she checks in with security, we head to the meeting room. The discussion begins and will generally last about an hour. When I can tell S. has had enough, we stop talking and the meeting is ended with a hug before going our separate ways. She, back to “a place of terror and bestiality, locked behind cemented pentagon-type structures” and me back through the metal gate, past the security guards and back out to freedom.
More to come soon…
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Frustrations of Work
Last Friday we (the three interns and my boss) attended a Batterers Education Program (BEP) Training. So far this has been one of the most frustrating experience of the job, as you will come to understand. At the end of this post you will find some information regarding Domestic Violence, BEP and the Iowa legal system, which I urge you to please read if you don’t know anything about either
The training we went to was geared towards people who work for the state and who, essentially deal with batterers once they have been charged with Domestic Violence. The purpose of the BEP training was to educate these “professionals” (yes there is sarcasm intended in the quotes) about Domestic Violence and about the stories of victims, so that there can be a common understanding of what needs to be changed and how batterers need to be addressed. However, when you only hear one side of the story, it is very hard to open your mind to the other side. As a result, you can imagine that many of these people were unwilling to accept the victims story. On a more shocking note, some of these individuals were unwilling to acknowledge the fundamental problems of our society, which set all four of us of in a frenzy of disbelief, utter shock, followed by intense frustration.
The main thing to understand about victims of Domestic Violence (D.V.) is that it is more complex than it appears. D.V. is about control. There is nothing out of control or irrational about abuse. Batterers do not only have physical control but, emotional, financial and social control over their victim, isolating them from society, friends, family and even their children. You will often hear “why didn’t she just leave?” and the answer to that is never simple (you will find a more elaborate answer below). When you are overwhelmed by fear, when children, money or love is involved, leaving is nearly impossible. I have even heard some women say that they have never felt safer than in prison, because they are locked up and secured away from their abuser. I don’t know about you, but I find that statement to be depressing and extremely sad.
If you do not believe any of this, please read the information below and visit the recommended websites in order to understand. And to be honest you will have done more than some of the people at the training did. First of all, they barely listened to the first 3 hours of the presentation (which I find very disrespectful), where the presenter took time, patience and effort to convey the complicated system of control in Domestic Violence and what victims go through. Secondly, some were completely oblivious to the problems of gender and discrimination in our society. Upon talking about the level of homicides and battering rising, one women said “Why don’t women just stay at home and become house wives again. I mean look at the 1950 when it was expected that a women stay at home. Look how happy they were. We didn’t have any problems then.” (Oh my goodness).
Anyways, I could go on and on, but the point is that it was just infuriating and quite scary to listen to these people who are the ones dealing and releasing batterers. The purpose of justice and social work is to create a change in society to promote and provide a safe environment for everyone. How can this happen when people are uneducated and unaware about our societal concerns, are unwilling to be open and understanding about a complex problem and above all, are missing the point of why they are doing what they do?
Frankly, kudos to the presenter who lead the workshop for being so patient. I don’t know how she does it. I was wiggling in my seat, bighting my tong when my jaw wasn’t dropped in disbelief. In any case, enough ranting. But I do hope that anyone who is interested enough to read this post to the end, also look over the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website for more acurate facts and information in addition to what I have written below.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of repeated behaviors. The assaults are repeated against the same victim by the same perpetrator. These assaults occur in different forms: physical, sexual, psychological. While physical assault may occur infrequently, other parts of the pattern may occur daily. Tactics interact with each other and have profound effects on the victims.
Why do Batterers Batter?
Domestic violence is purposeful behavior. The perpetrator's pattern of abusive acts is directed at achieving compliance from or control over the victim. It is directed at circumscribing the life of the victim so that independent thought and action are curtailed and the victim will become devoted to fulfilling the needs and requirements of the perpetrator. The pattern is not impulsive or "out of control" behavior. Tactics of control are selectively chosen by the perpetrator.
How does Someone become a batterer?
Domestic violence is behavior learned through observation and reinforcement. Violent behaviors, as well as the rules of when, where, against whom, and by whom they are to be used, are learned through observation. It is also observed and reinforced not only in the family, but in society. It gets reinforced by society's major institutions: familial, social, legal, religious, educational, mental health, medical, entertainment, media. In these institutions, there are customs that facilitate the use of violence as legitimate means of controlling family members.
Why don’t victims just leave?
Many victims do not stay and many others come and go. The primary reason given by victims for staying with their abusers is fear of violence and the lack of real options to be safe with their children. This fear of violence is realistic. Research shows that domestic violence tends to escalate when victims leave their relationship. Some perpetrators repeatedly threaten to kill or seriously injure their victims should they attempt to leave the relationship. The victim may have already attempted to leave in the past, only to be tracked down by the perpetrator and seriously injured. Most perpetrators do not let victims simply leave relationships.
(For more info, or FAQ’s visit http://www.icadv.org/faq.asp)
The training we went to was geared towards people who work for the state and who, essentially deal with batterers once they have been charged with Domestic Violence. The purpose of the BEP training was to educate these “professionals” (yes there is sarcasm intended in the quotes) about Domestic Violence and about the stories of victims, so that there can be a common understanding of what needs to be changed and how batterers need to be addressed. However, when you only hear one side of the story, it is very hard to open your mind to the other side. As a result, you can imagine that many of these people were unwilling to accept the victims story. On a more shocking note, some of these individuals were unwilling to acknowledge the fundamental problems of our society, which set all four of us of in a frenzy of disbelief, utter shock, followed by intense frustration.
The main thing to understand about victims of Domestic Violence (D.V.) is that it is more complex than it appears. D.V. is about control. There is nothing out of control or irrational about abuse. Batterers do not only have physical control but, emotional, financial and social control over their victim, isolating them from society, friends, family and even their children. You will often hear “why didn’t she just leave?” and the answer to that is never simple (you will find a more elaborate answer below). When you are overwhelmed by fear, when children, money or love is involved, leaving is nearly impossible. I have even heard some women say that they have never felt safer than in prison, because they are locked up and secured away from their abuser. I don’t know about you, but I find that statement to be depressing and extremely sad.
If you do not believe any of this, please read the information below and visit the recommended websites in order to understand. And to be honest you will have done more than some of the people at the training did. First of all, they barely listened to the first 3 hours of the presentation (which I find very disrespectful), where the presenter took time, patience and effort to convey the complicated system of control in Domestic Violence and what victims go through. Secondly, some were completely oblivious to the problems of gender and discrimination in our society. Upon talking about the level of homicides and battering rising, one women said “Why don’t women just stay at home and become house wives again. I mean look at the 1950 when it was expected that a women stay at home. Look how happy they were. We didn’t have any problems then.” (Oh my goodness).
Anyways, I could go on and on, but the point is that it was just infuriating and quite scary to listen to these people who are the ones dealing and releasing batterers. The purpose of justice and social work is to create a change in society to promote and provide a safe environment for everyone. How can this happen when people are uneducated and unaware about our societal concerns, are unwilling to be open and understanding about a complex problem and above all, are missing the point of why they are doing what they do?
Frankly, kudos to the presenter who lead the workshop for being so patient. I don’t know how she does it. I was wiggling in my seat, bighting my tong when my jaw wasn’t dropped in disbelief. In any case, enough ranting. But I do hope that anyone who is interested enough to read this post to the end, also look over the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website for more acurate facts and information in addition to what I have written below.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of repeated behaviors. The assaults are repeated against the same victim by the same perpetrator. These assaults occur in different forms: physical, sexual, psychological. While physical assault may occur infrequently, other parts of the pattern may occur daily. Tactics interact with each other and have profound effects on the victims.
Why do Batterers Batter?
Domestic violence is purposeful behavior. The perpetrator's pattern of abusive acts is directed at achieving compliance from or control over the victim. It is directed at circumscribing the life of the victim so that independent thought and action are curtailed and the victim will become devoted to fulfilling the needs and requirements of the perpetrator. The pattern is not impulsive or "out of control" behavior. Tactics of control are selectively chosen by the perpetrator.
How does Someone become a batterer?
Domestic violence is behavior learned through observation and reinforcement. Violent behaviors, as well as the rules of when, where, against whom, and by whom they are to be used, are learned through observation. It is also observed and reinforced not only in the family, but in society. It gets reinforced by society's major institutions: familial, social, legal, religious, educational, mental health, medical, entertainment, media. In these institutions, there are customs that facilitate the use of violence as legitimate means of controlling family members.
Why don’t victims just leave?
Many victims do not stay and many others come and go. The primary reason given by victims for staying with their abusers is fear of violence and the lack of real options to be safe with their children. This fear of violence is realistic. Research shows that domestic violence tends to escalate when victims leave their relationship. Some perpetrators repeatedly threaten to kill or seriously injure their victims should they attempt to leave the relationship. The victim may have already attempted to leave in the past, only to be tracked down by the perpetrator and seriously injured. Most perpetrators do not let victims simply leave relationships.
(For more info, or FAQ’s visit http://www.icadv.org/faq.asp)
What is BEP?
The Batterers’ Education Program (BEP) promotes accountability and we try to encourage offenders to stop using the common tactics of power and control against their partners. Those behaviors include intimidation, physical and sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, minimization, denial, blame, collusion, justification, economic abuse, and using the children against their partners. To achieve this, we teach and encourage offenders to use non-violent behaviors that promote respect, responsible parenting, economic partnership, honesty and accountability, trust and support, and negotiation.
(To learn more about this program and the Eight Judicial District Department of Correctional Services visit: http://www.8thjdcbc.com/Batterers)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My first art class in Prison
I taught my first art class today at the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women. I was quite nervous at first and was very unsure of what to expect. There are so many misconceptions about prisoners and their behaviors. They are often built up to be these raving thugs, who are out to make your life hell. However, as I experienced today, nothing could be further from the truth.
The women in my class were there by choice and as a result were very cooperative, friendly and eager to learn. I started my presentation covering the basics of what art was and what I intended this class to focus on. I then started my class on “What do you do when you only have a pen”. The purpose of this class was to teach them how to use a notebook and a pen to express emotion and use the notebooks into which they can channel their worries, nightmares and thoughts. I explained to them that “the notebooks are intended to be your other brain and the pen is the extension of that brain.” We explored the meaning of lines and how to create designs and how to express emotions through those lines. Some were left to their own devises and gladly embraced autonomous creativity, while other struggled between getting the drawing right as opposed to expressing. The class of 8 women was small enough so that I was able to go around and personally interact with all of them and help them individually.
It was an extremely fulfilling experience. Not only was I thoroughly impressed with each individuals creative abilities and visual talents, I was thrilled when a few started out with “Miss, I can’t do this. This looks screwed up.” To “I actually like what I did.” I was also especially pleased when one girl piped up and said that most people who come and teach are not “ prison material”. “They get scared that we are gonna attack ‘em or someth’in. But you miss, you’re doin’ great.” I certainly felt great, confident and sure of what I knew and what I was doing, which doesn’t happen too often. Best of all, I really felt like these women were enjoy themselves.
It just felt right. I know that it will take more than one class to figure out if this really what I am cut out for, but this was something that brought me incredible joy and fulfillment. I will be going back tomorrow and holding studio hours so we shall see how that goes. In the meantime, I am so so so pleased that I have this chance to teach what I love and use it to help others!
The women in my class were there by choice and as a result were very cooperative, friendly and eager to learn. I started my presentation covering the basics of what art was and what I intended this class to focus on. I then started my class on “What do you do when you only have a pen”. The purpose of this class was to teach them how to use a notebook and a pen to express emotion and use the notebooks into which they can channel their worries, nightmares and thoughts. I explained to them that “the notebooks are intended to be your other brain and the pen is the extension of that brain.” We explored the meaning of lines and how to create designs and how to express emotions through those lines. Some were left to their own devises and gladly embraced autonomous creativity, while other struggled between getting the drawing right as opposed to expressing. The class of 8 women was small enough so that I was able to go around and personally interact with all of them and help them individually.
It was an extremely fulfilling experience. Not only was I thoroughly impressed with each individuals creative abilities and visual talents, I was thrilled when a few started out with “Miss, I can’t do this. This looks screwed up.” To “I actually like what I did.” I was also especially pleased when one girl piped up and said that most people who come and teach are not “ prison material”. “They get scared that we are gonna attack ‘em or someth’in. But you miss, you’re doin’ great.” I certainly felt great, confident and sure of what I knew and what I was doing, which doesn’t happen too often. Best of all, I really felt like these women were enjoy themselves.
It just felt right. I know that it will take more than one class to figure out if this really what I am cut out for, but this was something that brought me incredible joy and fulfillment. I will be going back tomorrow and holding studio hours so we shall see how that goes. In the meantime, I am so so so pleased that I have this chance to teach what I love and use it to help others!
(Examples of art expression from my personal journal, that I used for my class.)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Juxtaposing parallels
When you have enough time to think, you begin to notice a kaleidoscope of parallels that shape your life. Some make sense while others are just forced connections so that you don’t forget…
I went swimming today. As I eased myself into the cool turquoise, chlorinated water and adjusted my goggles, I glanced around the pool. Girls and boys, all running around in swim suites laughing, screaming and making splashing noises, while parents chit chat on the side. Guys and gals, throwing flirtatious looks at their skimpy outfits, as lifeguards hover over the mass of H2O. I plunged my head under water muffling the outside cacophony and pushed off from the side feeling the warm, smooth, all-encompassing, mass around me.
Swimming back and forth is a fairly mindless activity, so of course the mind wanders elsewhere. On this particular day, as on many others, my overpowering, vivacious memory unleashed its specimens acting like a time machine transporting me back to a far off place that I left but seven months ago. Before I knew it, I was back in China standing at the edge of some communist-built public swimming pool in the city of Kunming one October afternoon.
Upon asking whether there was a nearby swimming pool, my Chinese host mother delightedly took me to her college outdoor pool where she walked me through a grey concrete block and pointed to the left with a huge smile and told me she would pick my up later. Half nervous, half excited about exercising and getting some fresh air, I changed and to my horror, walked out to find a dark green, male dominate swimming pool. Slowly, all eyes turned to the fiercely white, tall, busty foreigner wrapped in a large towel looking lost and confused. Having no other choice, I walked to the edge of the basin and peered at the greenish mass floating below me. Weighing the pros and cons, I decided to take a chance and I quietly slid in. Tense as a board and half choking, I waded through the water half expecting some Asian sea monster to swallow me up, half dreading that some dead body would float to the surface as I swam across the deep end. The water was so thickly green, that you couldn’t see the bottom. This however, turned out to be an advantage as it shielded my half naked body from the gaze of the Chinese men unabashedly watching me. After several laps, I decided I had had enough and I hopped out to meet my host mother. She seemed non plused when I told her the water was green to which she proudly responded that it was actually rain water from the next-door soccer field, which drained into the swimming pool. “That’s why it is green. See, we recycle things too!”.
As my head broke through the clear, blue, chlorinate surfaces of Des Moines water, I paused just for a second and I tried to suppress a smile followed by the heart wrenching feeling of only one who has been involuntarily removed from a long loved place.
I went swimming today. As I eased myself into the cool turquoise, chlorinated water and adjusted my goggles, I glanced around the pool. Girls and boys, all running around in swim suites laughing, screaming and making splashing noises, while parents chit chat on the side. Guys and gals, throwing flirtatious looks at their skimpy outfits, as lifeguards hover over the mass of H2O. I plunged my head under water muffling the outside cacophony and pushed off from the side feeling the warm, smooth, all-encompassing, mass around me.
Swimming back and forth is a fairly mindless activity, so of course the mind wanders elsewhere. On this particular day, as on many others, my overpowering, vivacious memory unleashed its specimens acting like a time machine transporting me back to a far off place that I left but seven months ago. Before I knew it, I was back in China standing at the edge of some communist-built public swimming pool in the city of Kunming one October afternoon.
Upon asking whether there was a nearby swimming pool, my Chinese host mother delightedly took me to her college outdoor pool where she walked me through a grey concrete block and pointed to the left with a huge smile and told me she would pick my up later. Half nervous, half excited about exercising and getting some fresh air, I changed and to my horror, walked out to find a dark green, male dominate swimming pool. Slowly, all eyes turned to the fiercely white, tall, busty foreigner wrapped in a large towel looking lost and confused. Having no other choice, I walked to the edge of the basin and peered at the greenish mass floating below me. Weighing the pros and cons, I decided to take a chance and I quietly slid in. Tense as a board and half choking, I waded through the water half expecting some Asian sea monster to swallow me up, half dreading that some dead body would float to the surface as I swam across the deep end. The water was so thickly green, that you couldn’t see the bottom. This however, turned out to be an advantage as it shielded my half naked body from the gaze of the Chinese men unabashedly watching me. After several laps, I decided I had had enough and I hopped out to meet my host mother. She seemed non plused when I told her the water was green to which she proudly responded that it was actually rain water from the next-door soccer field, which drained into the swimming pool. “That’s why it is green. See, we recycle things too!”.
As my head broke through the clear, blue, chlorinate surfaces of Des Moines water, I paused just for a second and I tried to suppress a smile followed by the heart wrenching feeling of only one who has been involuntarily removed from a long loved place.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Three interns and a boss
They were all driving back from a day trip to Iowa City on business. Being very different and solely united under the same summer internship, you can imagine that after spending over 12 hours in each others presence, they were slowly getting tiered of one another. If you payed attention, you could even feel the vegetated, drawn out and almost exacerbated atmosphere that filled the car. As they began their two hour drive back, each sat in their seat reflecting on the days series of events.
The girl sitting in the passengers seat, had not gotten much sleep in the past few weeks and was cranky as a result. She had been recently preoccupied with personal affairs and was frankly looking forward to some peace and quite. Being a passionate feminist, she and the second intern who happened to be the only guy, butted heads frequently. He happened to be sitting behind her, floating in and out of listening to music and partaking in conversation. At that particular moment, he was reflecting on one very odd statements that the other intern had previously made. She had asked if the Wizard of Oz was based on a true story and couldn’t for the life of him figure out how she had come to that conclusion. She happened to be the only one who wasn’t from Iowa, and who wasn’t even from the country. Despite her enthusiasm, she stuck out like a soar thumb and was starting to feel its social effects. The driver and leader of the group seemed content with the trip. Unbeknownst to her interns, she was secretly happy that she had the opportunity to become friendlier with some of the contacts that she had introduced to them.
Being of a very friendly nature and being the leader of the group she was the main conversation facilitator. Eventually, the chit chat took on a work/gossip turn engaging everyone in a common discussion. Before they knew it, the conversation took on a personal twist and the atmosphere began to relax. Finally, taking a chance, the guy sitting next to the foreigner turned with “I am sorry, I HAVE to ask. What on earth made you think that the Wizard of Oz was based on a true story???” The answer to which was a fit of laughter initiated by everyone in the car. The mood quickly relaxed and everyone began talking more freely and openly.
The subtle lesson from this story is that, no matter how different people are, it is still possible to find common ground and laugh at each others ‘ism’ and quirkiness. Even though they would probably just remain co-workers throughout the summer, what mattered was that for that car ride they were briefly united under a sense of camaraderie and humor.
The girl sitting in the passengers seat, had not gotten much sleep in the past few weeks and was cranky as a result. She had been recently preoccupied with personal affairs and was frankly looking forward to some peace and quite. Being a passionate feminist, she and the second intern who happened to be the only guy, butted heads frequently. He happened to be sitting behind her, floating in and out of listening to music and partaking in conversation. At that particular moment, he was reflecting on one very odd statements that the other intern had previously made. She had asked if the Wizard of Oz was based on a true story and couldn’t for the life of him figure out how she had come to that conclusion. She happened to be the only one who wasn’t from Iowa, and who wasn’t even from the country. Despite her enthusiasm, she stuck out like a soar thumb and was starting to feel its social effects. The driver and leader of the group seemed content with the trip. Unbeknownst to her interns, she was secretly happy that she had the opportunity to become friendlier with some of the contacts that she had introduced to them.
Being of a very friendly nature and being the leader of the group she was the main conversation facilitator. Eventually, the chit chat took on a work/gossip turn engaging everyone in a common discussion. Before they knew it, the conversation took on a personal twist and the atmosphere began to relax. Finally, taking a chance, the guy sitting next to the foreigner turned with “I am sorry, I HAVE to ask. What on earth made you think that the Wizard of Oz was based on a true story???” The answer to which was a fit of laughter initiated by everyone in the car. The mood quickly relaxed and everyone began talking more freely and openly.
The subtle lesson from this story is that, no matter how different people are, it is still possible to find common ground and laugh at each others ‘ism’ and quirkiness. Even though they would probably just remain co-workers throughout the summer, what mattered was that for that car ride they were briefly united under a sense of camaraderie and humor.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Yes! This is the stuff!
They say that balance is really all about falling in and out of balance. A couple of days ago, I found myself very much out of balance, struggling with my environment and my identity in a new city and around new people. However, over the past few days I have been able to swing back into self assurance and stability. As a result I feel more in sync with my job, my co-workers and myself.
My internship is also becoming more stable, more familiar and, best of all, more interesting! I am still working on the case of one of the incarcerate woman at the women’s prison ICIW (Iowa Correctional Institute for Women) and have already met with her twice. I very much enjoy seeing her, as hard as the conversations can be. In addition, I am slowly but surely creating a committee of incarcerate women at the prison who will assist me and help me organize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which will take place during October. I am also busy with organizing events and collecting ideas which will take place during that month.
And now for the best part. I will also be teaching an art class every week at the women’s prison!!!! I created my own syllabus and organized the structure and layout of the class. I will be teaching once a week in addition to holding studio hours. For those who don’t know this, art has been a passion in my life, which for better or worse, I continuously put to the side. However, no matter what I am doing or where I am, art always seems to follow me. It is very strange how that happens. If you are interested, I have posted my syllabus below explaining the goal and layout of the class.
I also just got back from an extraordinarily enjoyable walk around one of the nature parks in Des Moines. I finally am beginning to feel rested, collected and at peace. Strange thing balance…
Experimental Art
Facilitator: Ashley Oldacre
Class time: Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 at ICIW
Studio Time: Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 at ICIW
Introduction:
This class will use art as a vehicle for personal expression and experimentation. Firstly, art can provide an outlet for emotions, thoughts and ideas and secondly, it can be used to create something beautiful and expressive. The very process of creating art requires concentration and deep reflection and the process can be comforting and productive. The purpose of this class will be to explore different mediums and aspects of art centered on the theme of domestic violence. The techniques proposed will be used to create meaningful pieces, which will be shared with group.
Assignment and Class Expectations:
The class is designed to provide a safe environment for the women to express themselves freely and help them regain a sense of self and confidence. In order for this class to be beneficial and productive, confidentially and respect for others work, thoughts and ideas must be observed.
Structure of the Class:
At the beginning of each class, I will explain the assignment of the day and engage the class in active discussion about what they will be working on. As such, I expect everyone to participate in the discussion. All information that is shared in class will remain absolutely confidential. All of the assignments and projects will be completed during class time. At the end of class, the group will come together and share their art and/or thoughts and opinions about the project.
Studio Time:
On Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30, I will be available to provide any help or guidance to those who have time and who wish to practice and continue what was taught during class. Studio time is intended to for anyone who wants to continue art outside the classroom, either to continue a project or do art independently.
Notebooks:
Each person in the class will receive a notebook, which they may keep. The notebook is intended to be used as a release and a space for exploration and expression. I require that everyone makes an entry in the notebook either by drawing, illustrating or writing something before each class, which they can share with the rest of the group the next day if they wish. It is hoped that the notebooks can be used as a tool for expression, even after the course is over.
Syllabus
July 21st: - Introduction to the class
- What Happens When You Just Have a Pen?
Exploring line drawing and designs to create emotion, capture still life and open a world of creativity.
Supplies: Plain wire-free notebook and a pen.
July 28th : - Expression Through Color and Words.
Exploring and using colors to express emotions and thoughts combined with collecting words, numbers, statistics and phrases related to domestic violence or personal history, and illustrating the words using visual representations and paper collage/poster.
Supplies: Colored pens and/or paints and/or colored pencils, lots of magazines/
newspapers, glue, thick large sheets of paper or cardboard, pens.
August 4th : - Facial Expression: Making “before and after domestic violence” masks.
Supplies: Plain plastic masks, glue, different fabric, string, feathers, buttons, paints, felt tip pens and anything else that is available.
August 11th : - Make/Break/Create: Empowering the female body and exploring the art of impermanence.
- Final Reflections
Supplies: Anything previously used, depending on what is left or still available.
My internship is also becoming more stable, more familiar and, best of all, more interesting! I am still working on the case of one of the incarcerate woman at the women’s prison ICIW (Iowa Correctional Institute for Women) and have already met with her twice. I very much enjoy seeing her, as hard as the conversations can be. In addition, I am slowly but surely creating a committee of incarcerate women at the prison who will assist me and help me organize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which will take place during October. I am also busy with organizing events and collecting ideas which will take place during that month.
And now for the best part. I will also be teaching an art class every week at the women’s prison!!!! I created my own syllabus and organized the structure and layout of the class. I will be teaching once a week in addition to holding studio hours. For those who don’t know this, art has been a passion in my life, which for better or worse, I continuously put to the side. However, no matter what I am doing or where I am, art always seems to follow me. It is very strange how that happens. If you are interested, I have posted my syllabus below explaining the goal and layout of the class.
I also just got back from an extraordinarily enjoyable walk around one of the nature parks in Des Moines. I finally am beginning to feel rested, collected and at peace. Strange thing balance…
Experimental Art
Facilitator: Ashley Oldacre
Class time: Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 at ICIW
Studio Time: Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 at ICIW
Introduction:
This class will use art as a vehicle for personal expression and experimentation. Firstly, art can provide an outlet for emotions, thoughts and ideas and secondly, it can be used to create something beautiful and expressive. The very process of creating art requires concentration and deep reflection and the process can be comforting and productive. The purpose of this class will be to explore different mediums and aspects of art centered on the theme of domestic violence. The techniques proposed will be used to create meaningful pieces, which will be shared with group.
Assignment and Class Expectations:
The class is designed to provide a safe environment for the women to express themselves freely and help them regain a sense of self and confidence. In order for this class to be beneficial and productive, confidentially and respect for others work, thoughts and ideas must be observed.
Structure of the Class:
At the beginning of each class, I will explain the assignment of the day and engage the class in active discussion about what they will be working on. As such, I expect everyone to participate in the discussion. All information that is shared in class will remain absolutely confidential. All of the assignments and projects will be completed during class time. At the end of class, the group will come together and share their art and/or thoughts and opinions about the project.
Studio Time:
On Wednesdays from 1:30 to 5:30, I will be available to provide any help or guidance to those who have time and who wish to practice and continue what was taught during class. Studio time is intended to for anyone who wants to continue art outside the classroom, either to continue a project or do art independently.
Notebooks:
Each person in the class will receive a notebook, which they may keep. The notebook is intended to be used as a release and a space for exploration and expression. I require that everyone makes an entry in the notebook either by drawing, illustrating or writing something before each class, which they can share with the rest of the group the next day if they wish. It is hoped that the notebooks can be used as a tool for expression, even after the course is over.
Syllabus
July 21st: - Introduction to the class
- What Happens When You Just Have a Pen?
Exploring line drawing and designs to create emotion, capture still life and open a world of creativity.
Supplies: Plain wire-free notebook and a pen.
July 28th : - Expression Through Color and Words.
Exploring and using colors to express emotions and thoughts combined with collecting words, numbers, statistics and phrases related to domestic violence or personal history, and illustrating the words using visual representations and paper collage/poster.
Supplies: Colored pens and/or paints and/or colored pencils, lots of magazines/
newspapers, glue, thick large sheets of paper or cardboard, pens.
August 4th : - Facial Expression: Making “before and after domestic violence” masks.
Supplies: Plain plastic masks, glue, different fabric, string, feathers, buttons, paints, felt tip pens and anything else that is available.
August 11th : - Make/Break/Create: Empowering the female body and exploring the art of impermanence.
- Final Reflections
Supplies: Anything previously used, depending on what is left or still available.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Culture Shock
I haven’t been feeling too great the past couple of days and I think I know why. I have been experiencing culture shock.
This is a very strange feeling considering that I have been living in the United States for three years and believe myself to be a natural by now. But it is sufficient to say that this country is extremely different from region to region and is outlined by pockets of different cultures making it harder to generalize. Even though you can still find the same fast food places, the same mass consumer-breeding structures, the same cars and recreational facilities, the lifestyle and the people vary considerably. It is also the first time that I find myself as a camouflaged intruder amongst the natives of the area. However good my accent or dress may be I have not yet mastered the cultural "isms"which often call my bluff. For example: One night, sitting at a bar with friends of a friend talking about medical drugs, I quietly lean to the girl next to me with a “ Sorry what is Xanex?” to which she replied “ WHAT?? You don’t know what Xanex is? Where are you from?!” BAM! Just blew my cover. Which then forces me to explain where I originally come from leaving the person sorry for ever asking. At first you become this wired, exotic, entertaining thing. “This is Ashley. She is from Switzerland!” But slowly you lose the entertaining and exotic aspect and you just become weird.
The reason why I think I am suffering from culture shock, is because it is the first time that I thought I would fit in when I was actually still an outsider. When traveling abroad, you generally fall into the tourist category or you blatantly stand out as being a foreigner. This makes it easier in a way because you are automatically considered different and therefore extra care is taken to explain what you are seeing, experiencing or doing. It is assumed from the beginning on both ends that you will never be able to really fit in or understand the culture or the people from that culture. So you stick to your camera and your white sneakers and appreciate the exoticism.
Yet out here, I have had an exceptional opportunity. I have sort of merged into the “train quotidian” the regular daily life, where I look and am considered to be just like everyone else. At first this idea was appealing as I so desperately wanted to integrate and become a Des Moiner and wear the mid-western cap. But over the past few weeks, I have become frustrated and lonely because I haven’t been able to relate or fit in right. Yet today, it dawned on me that I am, like it or not, different. That despite working here, I am still a tourist, still an outsider. Realizing this has made all the difference and has taken off considerable weight and pressure off my mind. How incredible.
This is a very strange feeling considering that I have been living in the United States for three years and believe myself to be a natural by now. But it is sufficient to say that this country is extremely different from region to region and is outlined by pockets of different cultures making it harder to generalize. Even though you can still find the same fast food places, the same mass consumer-breeding structures, the same cars and recreational facilities, the lifestyle and the people vary considerably. It is also the first time that I find myself as a camouflaged intruder amongst the natives of the area. However good my accent or dress may be I have not yet mastered the cultural "isms"which often call my bluff. For example: One night, sitting at a bar with friends of a friend talking about medical drugs, I quietly lean to the girl next to me with a “ Sorry what is Xanex?” to which she replied “ WHAT?? You don’t know what Xanex is? Where are you from?!” BAM! Just blew my cover. Which then forces me to explain where I originally come from leaving the person sorry for ever asking. At first you become this wired, exotic, entertaining thing. “This is Ashley. She is from Switzerland!” But slowly you lose the entertaining and exotic aspect and you just become weird.
The reason why I think I am suffering from culture shock, is because it is the first time that I thought I would fit in when I was actually still an outsider. When traveling abroad, you generally fall into the tourist category or you blatantly stand out as being a foreigner. This makes it easier in a way because you are automatically considered different and therefore extra care is taken to explain what you are seeing, experiencing or doing. It is assumed from the beginning on both ends that you will never be able to really fit in or understand the culture or the people from that culture. So you stick to your camera and your white sneakers and appreciate the exoticism.
Yet out here, I have had an exceptional opportunity. I have sort of merged into the “train quotidian” the regular daily life, where I look and am considered to be just like everyone else. At first this idea was appealing as I so desperately wanted to integrate and become a Des Moiner and wear the mid-western cap. But over the past few weeks, I have become frustrated and lonely because I haven’t been able to relate or fit in right. Yet today, it dawned on me that I am, like it or not, different. That despite working here, I am still a tourist, still an outsider. Realizing this has made all the difference and has taken off considerable weight and pressure off my mind. How incredible.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Silly Things
I am so proud!
I have to honestly admit that what worried me the most about coming to Iowa was cooking for myself. I was afraid that I had forgotten how to make a simple meal after living at college for three years. However, this evening that fear has vanished as I once again crossed into a new dimension of independence. I made myself the best Omelet!
Ingredients?
Eggs
Milk
Cheese (best part)
Smoked turkey
Tomato
Spinach
Sprouts
A dollop of sour cream
Mixing and cutting things was pretty basic. However, it got a bit tricky when it came to the spinach…Two days ago, I thought it would be a good idea to preserve my spinach leaves in the freezer. All things frozen are presumably saved from the ills of decomposition, right? Yes, but they are not unscathed from flaccidity. As it turns out, spinach is a floppy green. As I put it out in the sun to unfreeze, it slowly turned into a highly questionable mush. It presumably suffered from the same effects as “a saggy boob after milk drainage” (quoting my aunt). Once I figured out that I could cook it in butter and cream, I felt less embarrassed by my mistake. Following a lesson in biology, the most challenging part was flipping the Omelet. And, well I am going to blow my own horn here and say that I actually FLIPPED it just like those crepe masters in the movies! Hup, swoosh and splat! The final result was…
I have to honestly admit that what worried me the most about coming to Iowa was cooking for myself. I was afraid that I had forgotten how to make a simple meal after living at college for three years. However, this evening that fear has vanished as I once again crossed into a new dimension of independence. I made myself the best Omelet!
Ingredients?
Eggs
Milk
Cheese (best part)
Smoked turkey
Tomato
Spinach
Sprouts
A dollop of sour cream
Mixing and cutting things was pretty basic. However, it got a bit tricky when it came to the spinach…Two days ago, I thought it would be a good idea to preserve my spinach leaves in the freezer. All things frozen are presumably saved from the ills of decomposition, right? Yes, but they are not unscathed from flaccidity. As it turns out, spinach is a floppy green. As I put it out in the sun to unfreeze, it slowly turned into a highly questionable mush. It presumably suffered from the same effects as “a saggy boob after milk drainage” (quoting my aunt). Once I figured out that I could cook it in butter and cream, I felt less embarrassed by my mistake. Following a lesson in biology, the most challenging part was flipping the Omelet. And, well I am going to blow my own horn here and say that I actually FLIPPED it just like those crepe masters in the movies! Hup, swoosh and splat! The final result was…
Delicious!
It is amazing how the simplest and silliest of things can make you happy.
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