Today, I made my first trip to south Tel Aviv for the purpose of helping out at a summer school that predominantly hosts Sudanese and Ethiopian kids.
It was the second last day of the of the summer camp and needless to say my role as an art workshop facilitator was not in very high demand. I did find the entire day and experience very rewarding and educational none the less.
The afternoon was also really interesting. The Kids got the chance to buy items from "the jumble sale" and I was lucky enough to receive a present from the President of the United states AKA George from Sudan. He bought me the kid's version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" also written in Hebrew. I'll leave it a that.
I spent the last couple of days learning Hebrew and Arabic (and still don't have a clue), going to meetings and working on a commission for Gascoigne Primary School in East London.
It feels weird working on a project specifically for London whilst in the city of Jerusalem but I feel that I made the right choice with regards to relocating my practice – temporarily. It has definitely increased my motivation and inspiration and can't wait to finalise the details for the commission.
We spent the last couple of days doing the finishing touches on the mural and preparing for the big parade on Friday. The parade was an amazing experience! Most of the children dressed up, painted their faces, wore masks or crowns and carried one helium balloon containing a wish. We then marched all around Silwan, past the settlements and released the "wish balloons" into the blue sky.
On our return, the children performed for their parents. It was pretty special and amazing! I'm really going to miss the kids….
I have spent the last two days running workshops in Silwan. It’s a very different experience compared to running workshops in London. The kids are great and the mural is going smoothly. We hope to have it done by tomorrow.
I also realised just how easy it is to take the "little things" for granted when it comes to running workshops in London such as access to space and materials (in terms variety) in London. I have had to make due with limited materials and space to some extent but conversely, it has opened up new possibilities with regards lateral thinking and working.
