We are playing the game of “catch up.”
That funny game, silly game where time seems to run and
hide, finding dark corners, cabinets, and secret broom closets. It takes a
master to find it, to hold it close, breathing into it. Capturing a few moments
before it slips away again.
Art seems to be the
theme of the past few weeks.
1.
Face Painting at the Farmer’s Market Fall
Festival
2.
Designing a logo or promotional Art for the
Garden Department at the Food Bank
3.
Drawing the court room at Operation Streamline
4.
Painting faces for the Day of the Dead Parade
Discovering my artistic skills, and that I enjoy this
creative outlet was a nice surprise for my supervisors at work. Knowing I am
able to create a poster, paint faces of small children, or lead a craft at the
farmers market gives me a unique niche within our team. It’s comforting that I
can offer a skill that is needed, even desired.
The drawing of the courtroom is from our Borderlinks
delegation. A three day exploration of border issues, and the history and
policies that have surrounded immigration. This was my vantage point from the
back of the cold, newly built, stale courtroom. The far back corner, hardly
able to see or hear as the judge mumbled his way through the scripted
proceedings. It was a factory, putting two pieces together, over and over in
front of my eyes. Rights were read, questions asked, trials foregone,
identities confirmed, verdict given. Zero Tolerance™
Seventy people were on trial, it took one hour.
It only took 45 minutes for me to mentally check out. I was tired. The
bench was stiff. The air did not move. Cold sweat was building up. When we
first entered I was shocked, saddened, angry, confused, ashamed. By the time we
walked out, I needed sunshine, a bathroom, a moment to process. It took 45
minutes for me to become numb. How long has the judge been numb? The marshals?
The stenographer? Blind eyes watch the faces, forgetting them in a moment. Assembling
their pieces, then stepping away from the line.
The delegation is an experience. One that needs to be had first hand.
Being pushed beyond your comfort zone is taxing, draining, wonderful.
It makes coming back to familiarity so much more enjoyable. With the brush in
my hand, I feel at home.
Transforming blank canvases into something more. It is even more
enjoyable with living, willing canvases. My housemates, and some guests lined
up to become transformed for the Tucson Day of the Dead Procession. Some of my
housemates had specific people they wanted to venerate, so I designed skulls
specifically to represent their loved ones. It was wonderful hearing stories
and facts about those that were so close to their hearts. The relationships we
have with others can reveal so much about ourselves.
