I’m back at the college, and upon walking into the studio have been treated to a fantastic performance by the overhead flourescent lights… its still tinkling away now, as i type. I wish i’d recorded it in some way, but i feel that by the time you’ve rushed to set up a camera or recorder, you’ve missed out on experiencing it yourself.
So i’m sat here reunited with my laptop, listening to the fluttering jingle above me, and pattering away on the shiny white keyboard (i spilt tea on the last one which is why i had to send it off for repair).
Returning to the college after a weekend away, i am far more aware of the emptiness of the place. I almost feel like an intruder, like its not my place and i’m tresspassing, careful not to make too many sudden movements incase someone is alerted to my presence. Of course i’ve done the usual curious investigations, opening cupboards and making my mark on the white board, and although it has felt more safe as the week went on, i feel as thought there is something missing. One comment that a staff member made to me before the college closed down for the summer was how their department and work focused so much on children, yet their presence was distinctly missed. Althought the studio is far from being a kindergarten, there are so many elements within it that are most likely found within one. The smell of poster paint, the clearly labeled plastic drawers, primary coloured furniture, pipe cleaners and pva gluepots…
Now theres not even any students here, let alone children, and i cant help but think how nice it would have been to experienced the college buzzing with life. But then this is probably quite a priviliged position to be in – enjoying such a beautiful campus and having it almost to myself.
Theres a nursery on campus and i’m trying to get in to take some sound recordings… i have a few pieces that i’d love to do but not sure about time and availablility of equipment with only 3 weeks left. I’m definately looking to include a sound element witin the work.
Whatever i create here will not only be influenced by the research i’ve been doing into Froebel, but also on my sudden solitude. Last week, without any form of entertainment, i obsessively folded paper – a Froebel ‘occupation’. The meditative and mudane nature of it was actually rather satisfying, and certainly killed time. The challenge in folding the top layers of the same folded form over and over, to create differnet aesthetics was actually quite challenging and gave me time to think. It was the first time i understood Froebels idea that such activities could show one ‘unity and diversity’, a ‘sense of time’ and provide ‘self-awareness’.
