Week 1
I was able to take the Bart out to Oakland at around 8:30. I arrived and walked 4 blocks up to 24th street to arrive and start my day at the Creative Growth art studio. Unlike the week before where I just simply observed the students' work and various projects and asked them questions about what they were making, I lended my services to several of the instructors at a few of the stations to help prep for their classes. Class started at 9:30, and my mentor Jordan got held up in meetings and prep periods throughout the day. I did a bit more observing of people's work, especially in the woodshop, clay modeling, and drawing areas. I helped a generious student named Jorge manage a wood project he was working on by helping him connect 2 pieces of wood together with wood glue. Later on, I did a little drawing with a student in the drawing area who was drawing drgons out of handbooks, though I did teach her a shading technique to balance her light and dark attributes.
After lunch period, I needed to get Jordan to sign some paper work and confirm with my advisor that I was in attendence at my work place but was dealing with his own duties as manager so I kept my patience in a spot where I didn't let it get the best of me. I befriended a student named Jimmy, who was making clay action figures in the clay modeling area. He showed me his work, thoguh he strived to keep making an arsenal of action figures to fulfill some of his character-based storytelling, from what I understand. Jimmy asked me to help him design another character, a kick boxer kicking a man holding punching bag. It took at least 20 minutes to make as we tried have the character well-adjusted to the stance Jimmy placed him in and how the foundation was gonna hold the 2 clay characters when the whole set gets put in the kilm later on. I did give Jimmy some other ideas to expand his creativity by making clay landscapes for his figures. As the class period was about to end, I peered over my shoulder to see another student, at least in his late 40's I believe, working on a rather large wet clay figure of what looked like a cat laying on its stomach. The cat had very small arms and legs but with a rather large and very hollow body to support its balance, the artist was at the point of crafting out the tail. He was nice enough to let me take a few pictures of it in case I might want to use them as examples for my WLE presentation.
After lunch period, I needed to get Jordan to sign some paper work and confirm with my advisor that I was in attendence at my work place but was dealing with his own duties as manager so I kept my patience in a spot where I didn't let it get the best of me. I befriended a student named Jimmy, who was making clay action figures in the clay modeling area. He showed me his work, thoguh he strived to keep making an arsenal of action figures to fulfill some of his character-based storytelling, from what I understand. Jimmy asked me to help him design another character, a kick boxer kicking a man holding punching bag. It took at least 20 minutes to make as we tried have the character well-adjusted to the stance Jimmy placed him in and how the foundation was gonna hold the 2 clay characters when the whole set gets put in the kilm later on. I did give Jimmy some other ideas to expand his creativity by making clay landscapes for his figures. As the class period was about to end, I peered over my shoulder to see another student, at least in his late 40's I believe, working on a rather large wet clay figure of what looked like a cat laying on its stomach. The cat had very small arms and legs but with a rather large and very hollow body to support its balance, the artist was at the point of crafting out the tail. He was nice enough to let me take a few pictures of it in case I might want to use them as examples for my WLE presentation.
Week 2
It was a more busier day than usual. I asked Jordan if he had any tasks he wanted me to do and instructed that for the day I become an assistant to the pottery and wood shop areas. Joe, the wood shop teacher, was out of town so he had a substitute come in. I never quite got her name but I was able to help her clean out some paint containers, which she didn't want me to do because it wasn't appealing for my line of work but I did so anyways.After that, I walked over to the wood shop area where Stan, the wood shop teacher, asked me to clean out a couple of containers filled with broken pens, pastels, and pencils. After that, I felt that I should organize the art supplies cabinet, which took me an hour to finish in time before lunch.
After lunch, I browsed around for more tasks to work on but at the moment there wasn't much for me to do but sit down and interact with some of the students. I talked with Jimmy, where he was in the process of making another action clay figure. He wanted to do a Halloween-themed action figure, most likely something out of Friday The 13th, getting us to brainstorm what to make though we had to conquer the issue about the figure shrinking in the oven when finished. I also noticed other students' artwork such as a guy who made an 8 inch scale Grim Reaper figure with fair details carved into it. The man from last week started work on another clay animal piece, to which I couldn't tell what kind of animal he was making. Most interesting enough, a student made a scale statue of a pumpkin-headed guitar player, which got my attention to take a couple pictures of for my project. I also met a student whose specialty is gaming, who showed me a few pieces of his work from a video game that inspired him to make.
It was a lot of work through the day but went by very fast and learned more about assisting the instructors, though I am still getting used to how the work environments are run at Creative Growth.
After lunch, I browsed around for more tasks to work on but at the moment there wasn't much for me to do but sit down and interact with some of the students. I talked with Jimmy, where he was in the process of making another action clay figure. He wanted to do a Halloween-themed action figure, most likely something out of Friday The 13th, getting us to brainstorm what to make though we had to conquer the issue about the figure shrinking in the oven when finished. I also noticed other students' artwork such as a guy who made an 8 inch scale Grim Reaper figure with fair details carved into it. The man from last week started work on another clay animal piece, to which I couldn't tell what kind of animal he was making. Most interesting enough, a student made a scale statue of a pumpkin-headed guitar player, which got my attention to take a couple pictures of for my project. I also met a student whose specialty is gaming, who showed me a few pieces of his work from a video game that inspired him to make.
It was a lot of work through the day but went by very fast and learned more about assisting the instructors, though I am still getting used to how the work environments are run at Creative Growth.
Week 3
1. My main responsibility is to be an assistant to all the instructors, organizers and students. I help the instructors with their preps before class by cleaning and monitoring materials and cleaning up in certain areas. I help the organizers with exhibition work for future art exhibits and keep track of art pieces made by the students. I assist the students with whatever they're trying to working on and observe what projects they're currently working on.
2. So far, the tasks Im working on is gathering information to help me work on my WLE final product such as pictures and moderate information I've gained from what I have been observing out of the students' work.
3. A regular day to me is taking the bart train and arrive to the Creative Growth art center a half hour early before class starts at 9:30. By the time I get there usually help a couple of the teachers with prep by cleaning out paint containers and brushes and organizing shelves and student work. While the classes are in session, I either continue helping the teachers with supplies or observing students be at hard at work with their various projects, though I mostly help out with the teachers and humor and carry conversations with the students. The scenario goes on throughout the day until it is 3:00 and its time to clean up and put everything away and head home.
2. So far, the tasks Im working on is gathering information to help me work on my WLE final product such as pictures and moderate information I've gained from what I have been observing out of the students' work.
3. A regular day to me is taking the bart train and arrive to the Creative Growth art center a half hour early before class starts at 9:30. By the time I get there usually help a couple of the teachers with prep by cleaning out paint containers and brushes and organizing shelves and student work. While the classes are in session, I either continue helping the teachers with supplies or observing students be at hard at work with their various projects, though I mostly help out with the teachers and humor and carry conversations with the students. The scenario goes on throughout the day until it is 3:00 and its time to clean up and put everything away and head home.
Week 4
1. For my WLE project, I plan on interviewing and working with a student about a project they are working on by asking them what inspired them to do this project and what does it mean, etc. I plan on interviewing my friend Jimmy, to whom I've been working with the most with his work these past several weeks.
2. I came up with this idea after my first week when I was observing all the students' work in the art gallery and wondered what actually motivated them to make their artwork.
3. Im excited about this because this is a more understandable and more conclusive project for me to make, analyze clearly, and present it infront of my peers.
4. -In a few weeks, find a method to interview Jimmy for his work.
-Help Jimmy complete his work in time for the interview.
-Write out questions for interview.
2. I came up with this idea after my first week when I was observing all the students' work in the art gallery and wondered what actually motivated them to make their artwork.
3. Im excited about this because this is a more understandable and more conclusive project for me to make, analyze clearly, and present it infront of my peers.
4. -In a few weeks, find a method to interview Jimmy for his work.
-Help Jimmy complete his work in time for the interview.
-Write out questions for interview.
Week 5
1. Today for my WLE, I had to brainstorm new ideas with Jimmy for a new project he can work on in prep for the interview. Jimmy decided that he wants to do a wooden mosaic of 2 people fighting, though he would need to get the wood portion of the work done in his next class on Thursday because he has ceramics class on Tuesdays which holds back the project until next week.
2. I never got around to talk to my mentor much about my project but the instructors I help do class prep with are aware that they want me to keep working with Jimmy every portion of the day with his work in order to keep my project in the working progress.
3. So far I have accomplished is the basis of the project and and now the idea of the project Jimmy can make.
4. Statement of Purpose: My project is in a week or two if permits, I must conduct an interview with a Creative Growth student about his work. For his work, I must interview what was the purpose of him creating his project and what inspired him to do so through either a video session or simple word-for-word question and answer session.
Description: I must help a student to create an art piece and interview his point of view and ideas on what motivated him to create it.
Project's Impact:
-Depth: The project is at least a medium sized food-for-the-thought- project, mainly representing how a student can incorporate his ideas through art.
-Breadth: This project will only effect the people who wonder how a special-educated individual can focus their ideas and thoughts into an art project and explain the idea and basis of it to the world around them.
-Longevity: This is an individual project so it should last for a while unless the information is going to be put into a newspaper or book or something close to it.
Action Items and Calendar
1. Get student to come up with ideas for project- No materials- Complete2. Get student to come up with a first draft of project- Paper and pencils- Complete3. Student must carve out wooden base for characters in project- wood- due Tuesday4. Must come up with questions- paper and pencil- due Tuesday5. Get camera- camera- due Tuesday6. Work on project- art supplies- no date7. Conduct first part of interview if project not completed- camera and questions- no date
2. I never got around to talk to my mentor much about my project but the instructors I help do class prep with are aware that they want me to keep working with Jimmy every portion of the day with his work in order to keep my project in the working progress.
3. So far I have accomplished is the basis of the project and and now the idea of the project Jimmy can make.
4. Statement of Purpose: My project is in a week or two if permits, I must conduct an interview with a Creative Growth student about his work. For his work, I must interview what was the purpose of him creating his project and what inspired him to do so through either a video session or simple word-for-word question and answer session.
Description: I must help a student to create an art piece and interview his point of view and ideas on what motivated him to create it.
Project's Impact:
-Depth: The project is at least a medium sized food-for-the-thought- project, mainly representing how a student can incorporate his ideas through art.
-Breadth: This project will only effect the people who wonder how a special-educated individual can focus their ideas and thoughts into an art project and explain the idea and basis of it to the world around them.
-Longevity: This is an individual project so it should last for a while unless the information is going to be put into a newspaper or book or something close to it.
Action Items and Calendar
1. Get student to come up with ideas for project- No materials- Complete2. Get student to come up with a first draft of project- Paper and pencils- Complete3. Student must carve out wooden base for characters in project- wood- due Tuesday4. Must come up with questions- paper and pencil- due Tuesday5. Get camera- camera- due Tuesday6. Work on project- art supplies- no date7. Conduct first part of interview if project not completed- camera and questions- no date
Week 6
1. The leadership skills I am using the most is Thinking Critically and Collaborating Productively because I'm collaborating with my partner on various options for his project as well as what it should look like and what it could symbolize. I spent several weeks thinking what the idea of this project should be and
2. So far, i am using the Thinking skill by helping my partner Jimmy developing ideas for his project and how to get it done on time. I am using the Collaborating skill by helping Jimmy come up with ideas for the work on his project.
3. These skills help me by collaborating with Jimmy into having his work done on time without delay and make sure the process is done at its finest. While working with Jimmy, I am able to think of more methods of how Jimmy could make his project more effective and powerful.
4. So far the skill my mentor is currently using is Communicating Powerfully with me about my progress as well as giving me instructions on what to do for the day and what to expect on a typical work day.
2. So far, i am using the Thinking skill by helping my partner Jimmy developing ideas for his project and how to get it done on time. I am using the Collaborating skill by helping Jimmy come up with ideas for the work on his project.
3. These skills help me by collaborating with Jimmy into having his work done on time without delay and make sure the process is done at its finest. While working with Jimmy, I am able to think of more methods of how Jimmy could make his project more effective and powerful.
4. So far the skill my mentor is currently using is Communicating Powerfully with me about my progress as well as giving me instructions on what to do for the day and what to expect on a typical work day.
Week 7
1. I have learned from this WLE experience is to be more patient and observant of of my peers and that I can use this method when working with others.
2. The only challenge I faced while working at my WLE was the 2 week absence of my partner Jimmy to whom I was supposed to help him with a project but has remained absent these past 2 weeks which has slowed things down for my work. I was able to overcome this by observing other students' work and helping the instructors with various projects for the upcoming art show.
3. A passion I learned is to explore other mediums of art and at least experience and a life lesson I learned is to always have patience when working with others.
4. My creativity was used to help Jimmy design different ideas in helping him complete his ceramics project by helping him make various small ceramic pieces and drawing out ideas on paper.
5. My WLE placement showed me the experience of doing volunteer work and seeing what it was like. It also helped me become a helping hand to several of the instructors in the work place.
6. Before, I thought working with special educated people was going to be an issue because of their treatments and syndromes but now I see that I exaggerated the idea about it and now notice that everyone attending the work place is just the same as everybody else, but with the difference of having special attention.
7. Mainly, a skill I learned was patience with others, managing projects effectively, keeping all work well organized, end always lean on mentors and instructors if there is any work that needs to be done.
8. I'd tell them that it was to help some of the unfortunate in their work and at least create more of a guideline to help them get far and successful in the art world.
9. When pursuing an art-based career in the future, I plan on managing my work effectively in the future and working productively with others.
2. The only challenge I faced while working at my WLE was the 2 week absence of my partner Jimmy to whom I was supposed to help him with a project but has remained absent these past 2 weeks which has slowed things down for my work. I was able to overcome this by observing other students' work and helping the instructors with various projects for the upcoming art show.
3. A passion I learned is to explore other mediums of art and at least experience and a life lesson I learned is to always have patience when working with others.
4. My creativity was used to help Jimmy design different ideas in helping him complete his ceramics project by helping him make various small ceramic pieces and drawing out ideas on paper.
5. My WLE placement showed me the experience of doing volunteer work and seeing what it was like. It also helped me become a helping hand to several of the instructors in the work place.
6. Before, I thought working with special educated people was going to be an issue because of their treatments and syndromes but now I see that I exaggerated the idea about it and now notice that everyone attending the work place is just the same as everybody else, but with the difference of having special attention.
7. Mainly, a skill I learned was patience with others, managing projects effectively, keeping all work well organized, end always lean on mentors and instructors if there is any work that needs to be done.
8. I'd tell them that it was to help some of the unfortunate in their work and at least create more of a guideline to help them get far and successful in the art world.
9. When pursuing an art-based career in the future, I plan on managing my work effectively in the future and working productively with others.
Week 8
1. I had to come in with a positive attitude and a lot of patience for the work process. I also had to come in with an open mind when talking with students about their work as wellas being prepared for what the agenda is for today.
2. The best way is always look thorough and always have people as sources who could help recommend a job. By getting hired, you just have to prove you're a hard worker show you're there for the experience and not to just sit there hoping time will pass by.
3. I believe being a responsible young adult means you have to come in prepared to work and know what your duties in the workplace are. Also, you must come in with a positive attitude and the expectancy that the day will turn out to good.
2. The best way is always look thorough and always have people as sources who could help recommend a job. By getting hired, you just have to prove you're a hard worker show you're there for the experience and not to just sit there hoping time will pass by.
3. I believe being a responsible young adult means you have to come in prepared to work and know what your duties in the workplace are. Also, you must come in with a positive attitude and the expectancy that the day will turn out to good.
Week 9
1. I helped my partner try to complete his ceramics project by painting them and glazing them. I also went on to teach him some new new drawing techniques.
2. I have improved on how I've been keeping track to keep up to date with Jimmy's work while at the same time helping with prep in both the ceramics and wood areas. I've also improved through keeping up with my project despite some of the setbacks I had to face several weeks before, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get it done on time.
3. The work place is great because it gives non-stop help to aspiring artists and gives them more limelight and attention for people and promoters who work there. Also the place is world famous and doesn't turn away anyone so its a perfect place to go and buy art, admire the artists' work and go to their seasonal exhibitions.
2. I have improved on how I've been keeping track to keep up to date with Jimmy's work while at the same time helping with prep in both the ceramics and wood areas. I've also improved through keeping up with my project despite some of the setbacks I had to face several weeks before, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get it done on time.
3. The work place is great because it gives non-stop help to aspiring artists and gives them more limelight and attention for people and promoters who work there. Also the place is world famous and doesn't turn away anyone so its a perfect place to go and buy art, admire the artists' work and go to their seasonal exhibitions.
Week 10
1. My WLE was a lot more interesting and easier than my last WLE last year because I got to work with more people and I got to understand what their artwork was about and why they made it. Plus, they are a world-renown industry that helps promote artists in their facility.
2. This internship will effect my future goals by giving me the skills to teach any others how to draw and improve in their art skills as well as understand other people's perspectives in art.
2. This internship will effect my future goals by giving me the skills to teach any others how to draw and improve in their art skills as well as understand other people's perspectives in art.
