Mosaic Fernwood - Phase I
Project Planning Journal - Page 3
July 8, 2004
This afternoon we had our first design workshop at the Fernwood Community Centre. The flow of people was slow but steady and that was great considering that we hadn't had a chance to advertise yet. This project came together so quickly so Shylene's totally going with the flow and letting it become what it's meant to. Can't think of a better way, really!
We had a few teens come from the drop-in program that's happening at the Centre. The girls were great and produced lots of drawings for the project.
Ladies Drawing
Right as we were thinking about packing up for the day, a woman came in and before we knew it over an hour had flown by! There was lots of sharing, reflecting, and connecting.
Our Community
We talked about the project, our community, our traditional school system, and how tough it can be to feel like you're living your purpose. There was also discussion around how to incorporate some of the sadder aspects of our community into the designs while maintaining a sense of hope and optimism. Despite the small turnout to this first design workshop, the underlying purpose and hope of the project was definitely met. What a fantastic start to what will be an amazing process and project.
Design Workshop 2 - Suki Athwal
July11, 2004
Again, a slow but steady flow of people at the second design workshop. Mainly due to the lack of time and advertising that is available for the project but, once again, all who attended had a great time. We had a few children attend this workshop and it was great to hear their ideas and be in the presence of their complete lack of inhibition.
Flower Images
Many of the designs from both workshops so far have revolved around nature and people. It'll be really neat to see how it all comes together in the mural and mosaics. Conversation flowed easily again among the workshop participants as people shared their ideas and explored the concepts of community and how to create the type of community to which we'd like to belong. This project is definitely one step in the right direction.
It was also a treat to be in the company of two lovely little girls today. The two were 12 and 16 months old and they got along just famously. They were full of smiles, laughter, and energy that were completely contagious. People are definitely looking forward to participating in the mosaic building process that will be starting in another week!
Design Workshop - By Shylene Schlackl
July 11, 2004
Every project within Mosaic the City provides me with new challenges and new concepts. There are new borders to cross and different styles of production to adopt or concider. Mosaic Fernwood is teaching me that what comes forward is what I am to work with. The energy that finds its way to this project, is the energy I am to harness. The people that spend time on this project are the people I am to meet, interact with and learn from. It is quite the challenge to understand that the place the project is or goes to, is the place it was always destined to find. Whatever happens, it was is suppose to happen. The designs that are used are the images most fitted to this project, at this time. With each choice there is actually a bigger picture, only to seen once the whole project is completed.
Tonight at our final open community design workshop we set up in Fernwood Square. I got to meet a few new people from the area. I was able touch base with some local artists who are eager to learn and help on the project. So far we haven't had much turn out, but time is often my friend on these projects. At first things are slow, but by the end the people come around and the project is an amazing work of many.
I am looking forward to working with many new people and creating some friendships to take with me on to the next Mosaic the City adventure.
Shylene Schlackl