A Soothing Cascade: Mollifying Edges (Part 2)

The Class

In January we spent two days with our Olli class.
Our time together included a power point presentation that gave examples of installation art from various artists around the world. We talked a bit about our individual art practices and our WHY for participating in this particular project.  One of the group favorites was this video of an installation by Daniel Wurtzel. Check out the link below, this piece is is beautiful and relaxing...Ballet de Plastique | Daniel WurtzelIn little to no time we became acquainted with our  Olli students, we answered their preliminary questions and then set to work. We officially dubbed our participants as "STUDIO ASSISTANTS" and tasked them with hoops.  Each hoop came with a corresponding bag of supplies. 
On the first day. The studio assistants used glue, yarn and nimble fingers to completely wrap the pre made hoops. 
On day two the studio assistants forged ahead on the creating portion. We encouraged each participant to insert their own creative ideas within the parameters we had set.  This was exciting for us as artists because both myself and Barbie are highly encouraging and passionate about self expression. Some of our assistants worried that they would "mess up"  or "do something wrong".  
Barbie and I continued to offer our support and guidance all the while encouraging and boosting their own creative confidence.  
It was very important for us that our assistants understand that we were less concerned about the end product they were creating and more invested in the process, the act of creating. We wanted them to explore, troubleshoot, play and take risks.  We also wanted them to take ownership over their portion. 
We made sure that each participant knew that they were an integral part of this project. THEY were creating the pieces that would later be assembled into our hanging mobile. 

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