Blog 7: Reflection on the Showcase

Flyer by Tegan Stewart

Reflection on the Showcase

Educating the World

For my showcase, I concentrated on education. I wanted to show how religion and the living environment influences the education you receive. By taking photos of churches and nature, I incorporated thought provoking questions to allow the audience to reflect on their experiences.

Through this showcase, I learned that I had to find deeper meanings into my photographs. Not only did they have to capture a moment, but I had to find a story behind the photograph. Finding that deeper meaning took time, but I have to say my favorite piece was of St. Fin Barre's Ccathedral placed behind bars.

I integrated the opportunity for dialogue by incorporating excerpts from the interviews along with questions. These questions were posed in a way for the audience to think about their childhood and the education that they received.

I hope that the audience saw how religion restricts the education system in Ireland. Since about 80% of the funding for primary schools come from churches, they have influence and say over what is taught in the schools. I know my audience became aware since they were shown visuals along with questions to start the dialogue.

Through this process, I grew as an artist by learning how to be flexible and improvise. I had to change my showcase due to photography constraints. Since I was unable to photograph children and schools, I had to find another way to display the education system.

I collaborated with Tatiana. She wrote an erasure using the Universal Declaration of Human Rights excerpt about education. I also collaborated with Natalie. She helped me brainstorm showcase ideas and dissected photos to find deeper meanings. In addition, Franchesca helped with my education interview that I incorporated into my showcase.

If I were to change my project, I would edit my photographs more but due to time constraints, I didn’t. Some aspects that surprised me included how many photographs I took during my trip. In addition, I was worried about how the photographs would be projected on the projector screen but the resolution turned out pretty well.

Overall, this showcase taught me a lot about Ireland. I learned about Direct Provision, Repeal the 8th and numerous other issues that are important to Ireland. I enjoyed the opportunity to display my works in the Long Valley and I look forward to continuing my passion in photography.

Taken by Ericka

Blog 6: Digital Storytelling Script and Travelogue

Digital Storytelling Script

Music:	Marsha’s Down by Many
Digital Storytelling Script
As a child, I have always imaged taking the trek from Dublin, CA to Dublin, Ireland. Little did I know that on January 10, 2018, this dream would come true,	*dissolve* <baby photo> Description: Young Esther
Cork, Ireland Motto: Statio Bene Fida Carinis (Latin) "A safe harbour for ships" (English Trans.) Population: 125,000 Density: 3,400/km2	*dissolve* <IMG_8699> Description: Cityscape of Cork
As we settled down into our new home for the month, we began setting routines. Daily coffee runs and meals at the Jurys Inn were common occurrences.	*dissolve* <IMG_9249> Description: Esther and her coffee
Monday nights were spent at the open night run by Ó Bhéal. Five word challenges became an interesting challenge to us all as we sat in the back of the Hayloft, attempting to craft masterpieces.	*dissolve* <IMG_9758> Description: Pen and Paper from 5 word challenge
Through the numerous workshops, I began to explore writing as a hobby. Journaling and writing became a habit. From erasures to mixed media, I started collaborating with the class to craft masterpieces for the showcase.	*dissolve* <IMG_9289> Description: Mixed Media Class Photo
Mike Brown, from Platform 3 Photo taught us about the colloidal process used in 1951 in order to take black and white photographs. I was able to learn about the chemistry behind the process that excited the scientist within me far too much. I had the opportunity to put gloves on, a familiar process akin to a science lab at Saint Mary’s and take pictures of my classmates.	*dissolve* <IMG_2471> Description: Esther throwing chemicals onto metal plate
After working up an appetite from all those workshops, we were fed like champions. Fish pie in Kinsale, O’Flynn Sausages at the English Market, every donut from Sticky Finger, my stomach has been a happy camper this whole trip.	*dissolve* <IMG_2422> Description: Food picture
Prior to this trip, the only person I knew well was my roommate. I'm really glad I got to know all these talented artists and I look forward to seeing their works get published.	*dissolve* Description: Class Photo
Ireland, you have been an amazing host and I will miss waking up and looking out the window, soaking in the view of the River Lee. Until next time, Éireann, Slán.	*dissolve* <IMG_8796> Description: Cork Signage
End Credits	*dissolve* <IMG_9389> Description: Black and White Scenery

"Baby Cliffs"
Taken by Esther Woo

Travelogue

SPLASH. Aqueous sodium chloride smacks me in the face as I am taking in the breathtaking view. Goosebumps arise from my epidermis as the water strikes me in the face. Quickly, I turn around and shield my camera cause that is the most important thing for this trip.

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione (aka caffeine)
Taken by Franchesca Sablan

CLICK. Once the ocean settles down, I turn back around to get a perfect shot. As I seek out the area for the perfect shot, I begin to make the trek to the edge. Step by step, I see the land in front of me vanish as I find myself on the edge. The shutter is released and before it opens, another wave leaps over the cliff and hits me.

TASTE. My lips are dry and I am quick to lick my lips. My salivary glands identify the salt water from the Atlantic Ocean. 

Bunratty Castle
Taken by Esther Woo

BREATHE. Inhale and take it all in. I take a deep breath and let the ocean breeze tickle my nose hairs. I get a waft of the salt water that roars below me.


REFLECT. If you had asked me a year ago if I would travel during January term, I would have called you crazy. I would have told you that I would not survive being in a foreign country for more than two weeks. Little did I know that going to Ireland this January would be the best experience at Saint Mary's yet to come. It is hard to recap all that has happened the past few weeks. From the number of pints of cider to the take away mocha consumed these past few weeks, I have been running high on life. I've been exploring and being adventurous through all the workshops that I've attended.

Colloidal Process
Taken by Franchesca Sablan

CHEMISTRY. The colloidal process is an exciting art that involves science, something I enjoy a little too much. Learning about the chemicals that go into the process and how the photo-chemical reaction occurs to produce a beautiful black and white image on glass or metal was by far my favorite workshop here. The hands on learning and opportunity to experiment on my classmates made this memorable.

WRITE. These past weeks have been challenging since I have never considered myself a writer. Writing was always something I did in school just enough to get by. However, during this trip, I maintained a daily journal where I would spend time and write everyday about my experiences. In addition, I went to numerous workshops in order to explore poetry and writing more.

I can't believe the journey is about to end on Friday as we head back to California. I could just stay in Ireland forever. I look forward to the day when I return to Ireland.

“From Inspiration to Collaboration” Workshop

Taken by Sarah Rafael Garcia

Blog 5: Reflection of Ó Bhéal Project

Taken by Esther Woo

For Group 4's project with Ó Bhéal, I had the opportunity to help create a ninety minute lesson and work with twelve girls at a secondary school for The Unfinished Book of Poetry. Throughout the project, I was able to collaborate with Rachel, Kassandra, Ches, and Professor  León. We worked together to make a lesson plan that included myths, erasures, and spoken word. By using what we learned from previous workshops, we were able to utilize the curriculum and make adjustments to it in order to accommodate the students we were going to work with.

Upon completion of the project, I felt satisfied with the outcome. I learned a lot more about poetry from this project. Initially, I was hesitant to teach poetry, a subject that I am rather unfamiliar with. However, as time went by when we were at the school, I became more comfortable with the students. The students were willing to take the lessons we threw at them and even share the poems that they wrote. I was surprised by the poems that Molly wrote about love and stereotypes. The line that struck me the most was, "It was time to let him go, and realize that just because he doesn't love me doesn't mean nobody else will". Molly and her classmates were able to write poems based on personal experiences within the limited time we allotted them.

I see this as arts administration since this a form of outreach. We are able to widen our audience by working with the students from the secondary school. In addition, the workshop could inspire these young writers to continue to write about topics that interest them including women's rights. This experience helped me grow and learn more about poetry myself! I enjoyed working with the girls and I would love to do something similar in my classroom in the future.

Blog 4: Arts Administration as Resistance

Taken by Esther Woo

Arts administration is a type of resistance since it empowers artist and activist. By providing resources for many local artists, collaboration and networking occurs which allows it to be a form of resistance. Through events, the artists are able to express themselves and their opinions through various mediums. Not only are they able to bring in social and political ideas but it also educates the public.

If I were to get involved in arts administration, I would like to help with event planning and fundraising. I enjoy the art of event planning especially when it involves food! I would be able to seek out artists and network while also doing something I enjoy. I would also be able to help other artists make a name for themselves. In addition, I would be great at utilizing social media to help with publicity and fundraising.

As an artist, it is important to learn about arts administration since they provide many resources for artists. From venues to funding, they provide numerous resources so that artists can continue to do what they are most passionate about. It is important to know about all the resources available to artists not only for yourself but also so you can help other aspiring artists.

Arts administration can support my resistance work by providing me with venues and events where I am able to network and display my photographs. It would also help with collaboration which would allow me to work with other artists in order to have a multimedia showcase. I would also be able to keep a dialogue with my photographs by utilizing social media after each event.

Blog 3: Journey to Learn About Arts and Activism

Karl Kitching- Education Advocate

Karl Kitching
Taken from UCC Website

While in Ireland, I had the opportunity to meet with an individual who had the same social justice interest, education. After doing some research, I felt drawn to a professor at UCC named Karl Kitching. His background in the primary school setting along with numerous publication regarding race showed he was the perfect person to interview. I was excited to hear about his ideas and thoughts regarding the education system not just in Ireland but globally. Below include important quotes and ideas that I obtained during my interview with Karl.

1. Background
1. Taught in Dublin as a Language Support Teacher
2. Noticed the immigration increase
3. "The infrastructure to understand minority groups in the education system is very poor"
4. Masters of Literacy
5. "Racism. The fact that these kids were being skewed based on the fact that they were other or being others based on having parents of migrant backgrounds"
6. "As a white guy who has been very privileged and part of the norm and all that kind of stuff, it wasn't something I really reflected on"
7. Ph.D on Racism
8. David Gillborn
9. "The discourse about race and racism wasn't as developed and didn't have the same history"
2. Using Arts and Education
1. "Say what is unsayable or unthinkable"
2. "Provide a medium on which on the one hand people can give counter stories... "
3. "arts is about how you feel"
4. "racism has a lot to do about feelings and emotions"
5. "the arts is one of the key ways to building relationship"
6. "it provides the voice for marginalized people"
7. "Arts are a form of respected cultures so all cultures get a seat at the table because of that"
3. Activism
1. Practices of Learners Citizenship- things students do that are anti racist in the everyday
1. Ex: Reporting racism
2. Acts of Learners Citizenship- creative things that confound you and make you wonder what you are going to do next
1. Ex: Anti Racist intervention
3. "who lives here belongs here" -> "who learns here belongs here"
4. "media is the key way to get the message across"
5. Public Pedagogy
6. "As a white person who has got so much privilege, how can you talk about dismantling white privilege without making yourself the center of attention?"
7. "Use your privilege to enable and support other people to speak"
8. "You can't actually quantify the history that is giving you the privileges that you have, it has come long before your life"
9. Ex: First Holy Communion --> someone doesn't partake in it --> Not Catholic = Not Irish = Where are you from?
10. "It might surprise people around here.. but I wasn't born an immigrant and it is not a disease. I wasn't Black until I came to Ireland"

Through this interview, I was able to gain insight into the school system that Karl experienced while he was teaching. In addition, Karl gave me many tools for me to use to help embed a diverse culture of respect regarding race in the classroom. I was amazed by how intelligent Karl was. I enjoyed getting to know him and hearing the stories that led him to the place he is today.

Anthony Griffin- Photographer

Anthony Griffin
Taken from Website

When I was looking for a photographer, I wanted to interview an individual who focused on portraits. Not only were they to focus on portraits but I also sought out someone who wanted to convey a deeper message within their photographs. I found Anthony Griffin who currently lives in Dublin and is a free lance photographer.

"It was less about a career, I just wanted to learn [about photography] and see something else"

The work that inspired me to interview him was his project, "An Uncommon Beauty" that featured women who had alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Not only did Anthony captivate beautiful women but he was also telling the world that hair isn't important. During the interview, I talked to Anthony a lot about this project. We discussed his motives behind capturing the portraits for the project. He talked about how he was drawn to alopecia because he knew someone that had the disease. Through the use of photographs, Anthony is able to capture women from throughout Ireland that were willing to be models. The most shocking part about this process was hearing how many of the models would have to remove their wigs which they had not even done in front of their partners or significant others.

"The more you engage with something, the more you engage the viewer"

In addition, Anthony gave words of advice of how to capture the perfect shot. His suggestions included building off of our interests and using photography as a way to get to know human stories. What stemmed from an interest in music, social justice and photography led Anthony to become the artist he is today.

"People interest me. I rather spend an hour talking to people than looking at landscapes"

Interview #2- Anthony Griffin

Anthony Griffin

When I was looking for a photographer, I wanted to interview an individual who focused on portraits. Not only were they to focus on portraits but I also sought out someone who wanted to convey a deeper message within their photographs. I found Anthony Griffin who currently lives in Dublin and is a free lance photographer.

"It was less about a career, I just wanted to learn [about photography] and see something else"

The work that inspired me to interview him was his project, "An Uncommon Beauty" that featured women who had alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Not only did Anthony captivate beautiful women but he was also telling the world that hair isn't important. During the interview, I talked to Anthony a lot about this project. We discussed his motives behind capturing the portraits for the project. He talked about how he was drawn to alopecia because he knew someone that had the disease. Through the use of photographs, Anthony is able to capture women from throughout Ireland that were willing to be models. The most shocking part about this process was hearing how many of the models would have to remove their wigs which they had not even done in front of their partners or significant others.

"The more you engage with something, the more you engage the viewer"

In addition, Anthony gave words of advice of how to capture the perfect shot. His suggestions included building off of our interests and using photography as a way to get to know human stories. What stemmed from an interest in music, social justice and photography led Anthony to become the artist he is today.

"People interest me. I rather spend an hour talking to people than looking at landscapes"

Interview #1- Karl Kitching

Karl Kitching

1. Background
1. Taught in Dublin as a Language Support Teacher
2. Noticed the immigration increase
3. "The infrastructure to understand minority groups in the education system is very poor"
4. Masters of Literacy
5. "Racism. The fact that these kids were being skewed based on the fact that they were other or being others based on having parents of migrant backgrounds"
6. "As a white guy who has been very privileged and part of the norm and all that kind of stuff, it wasn't something I really reflected on"
7. Ph.D on Racism
8. David Gillborn
9. "The discourse about race and racism wasn't as developed and didn't have the same history"
2. Using Arts and Education
1. "Say what is unsayable or unthinkable"
2. "Provide a medium on which on the one hand people can give counter stories... "
3. "arts is about how you feel"
4. "racism has a lot to do about feelings and emotions"
5. "the arts is one of the key ways to building relationship"
6. "it provides the voice for marginalized people"
7. "Arts are a form of respected cultures so all cultures get a seat at the table because of that"
3. Activism
1. Practices of Learners Citizenship- things students do that are anti racist in the everyday
1. Ex: Reporting racism
2. Acts of Learners Citizenship- creative things that confound you and make you wonder what you are going to do next
1. Ex: Anti Racist intervention
3. "who lives here belongs here" -> "who learns here belongs here"
4. "media is the key way to get the message across"
5. Public Pedagogy
6. "As a white person who has got so much privilege, how can you talk about dismantling white privilege without making yourself the center of attention?"
7. "Use your privilege to enable and support other people to speak"
8. "You can't actually quantify the history that is giving you the privileges that you have, it has come long before your life"
9. Ex: First Holy Communion --> someone doesn't partake in it --> Not Catholic = Not Irish = Where are you from?
10. "It might surprise people around here.. but I wasn't born an immigrant and it is not a disease. I wasn't Black until I came to Ireland"

Blog 2: Reading Rites and Artist Process

St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
Taken by Esther Woo

Reading Rites

Out of all the required materials, the most striking one in my opinion was Sex in a Cold Climate. This documentary included interviews of women who spent time in Magdalene Laundries. To prevent the sin of premarital sex, these women were sent off to these asylums. The women were oppressed and essentially confined for being a pretty woman. By hearing these narratives about how these women were treated in the asylums by the nuns was shocking. While in Cork, we identified the location of one of the Magdalene laundries which really brought the documentary to life. The fact that the site closed around 1980 made it more relatable because it happened recently.

Upon critical reflection, I was able to think about the women placed in the asylums. Throughout history, women were and continue to be oppressed by the patriarchal society. No matter how hard women try in the world from earning voting rights to working executive positions, women often times try to hide their gender. This shame associated with women continues to progress as women are shamed for breast feeding in public of having a menstrual cycle. These simple biological processes are beautiful and should be embraced since that is how procreation occurs. However, the world demeans the concept of womanhood.

Today, I was grabbing a cup of coffee after brainstorming with Ó Bhéal at the Village Hall. A man walked in and began talking to the barista. He asks the barista who the owner of the business is and demanded to talk to him. He then proceeds to "mansplain" football to her. He repeatedly explains football since he believes the barista doesn’t understand sports because she is a woman. After this man leaves, we had a discussion about how the culture of women in Ireland is. The barista continued to talk about how women continue to struggle to gain basic rights including the right to control what happens to their body. 

How do you feel about the 8th amendment in Ireland? How will we continue to fight for equality? Will there ever be a day where men and women are truly equal?

Artist Process

1. The required materials, in particular Kathy D’Arcy’s works, related to her workshop. The idea of writing poetry and including social political issues such as women’s rights in Ireland was interest.

2. This class has informed my artistic process by teaching me about other ways to express myself artistically through writing.

3. My vulnerabilities include not feeling comfortable to share.

4. I am addressing my vulnerabilities by attempting to be more open and share my work with others.

5. My project is going to be a showcase of photographs that include commentary. It will show the discrepancies displayed in the education system worldwide.

6. My goals for this project include texts and images to evoke a discussion globally. I want people to question the idea of everyone being able to receive an education as a human right.

7. I will accomplish these goals by interviewing and talking to many people throughout Cork. I need support in finding a way to display it in the final showcase.

8. I will get help from my peers.

Blog 1: Artist Statement and Statement of Resistance

Cork, Ireland
Taken by Esther Woo

Artist Statement

I found myself in a classroom full of 3^rd graders recently. As I worked with the students at this charter school, there was a specific student that caught my attention. The image of a happy little boy was what was presented before us every day at school. As time progressed, I learned about his difficult upbringings. From having a single parent to being the youngest in the family of four, I was heartbroken. Every week, I would go home wondering why a little boy like him would have a glass of milk as for only meal for the day, or how there was no one at home that could teach him how to read. Where was the support he needed to survive in school?

Quality education is a constitutional right in the United States. However, the current system has been corrupted to continue to oppress people of color and immigrants specifically. As a future educator, I am drawn to this topic. As an aspiring photographer, I hope to capture the disparities in the education system through photographs. I attempt to capture a narrative. By focusing on students primarily, a picture often times shows an innocent, happy, and energetic young child but as you dig deeper, you learn about their background.

A project I would like to work on would include capturing the education system in Ireland through the eyes of the products, college students and adults primarily. I hope that my audience would reflect on their experiences in the school system and compare it with the experiences presented before them. I would like to be able to provide insight into the narrative that isn’t commonly voiced.

Statement of Resistance

I believe that everyone should be able to receive an education regardless of their race, gender, social economic status, or citizenship. I hope to showcase the products of the education system since it will evoke a conversation regarding the disparities between the numerous school systems. I want to focus primarily on the voices less heard, often people of color. The diversity displayed in schools are to be celebrated and reflected in the curriculum so that we as mankind can all be educated.