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Sharon’s Story
Australian artist (Plastic Art)
Sharon Stevens worked with an organization
that focused primarily on promoting the fundamental rights of
children, the importance of youth development and providing
opportunities for children and youth. The main emphasis of her
project was to promote and stimulate creativity,
self-expression, and community awareness among children and
youth as well as promoting awareness of issues dealing with the
environment.
Sharon:
Predominantly during my 6-month residency
I ran art workshops, researched local art and culture,
organized an art exhibition, worked on my Spanish and met many
amazing people.
The NGO had never utilized an artist in
any of its previous projects. Due to the success and popularity
of the workshops I would like to believe that the other staff
members, management and community members will utilize some of
the ideas and outcomes. The program would certainly have the
support and high participation from the community members and
teachers.
I used local natural materials and
referenced local skills and artesania already familiar to the
community. In the art projects, I used a number of locally
grown gourds, seeds, wood and seed pods.
I was able to incorporate numerous
cultural ideas and traditions into the workshops and art
practices. I always encouraged community members to participate
and assist.
I felt very connected to the community.
The use of humor with both an open heart and mind made it easy
to be accepted. People were always helpful and friendly, but it
took me a few months to adjust and feel more at home.
I think I made a significant impact upon
the community and staff and management of the NGO. I made other
staff and teachers become aware of other means of communicating
their ideas and messages using local resources and creative
thinking.
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