You guys might remember when I started out working with the juvies and I was contemplating the use of carving tools with deliquents. *(If you haven't read that post, it's one of my best AND has an awesome dialog throughout the comments from my beautiful readers).
Well since then, I've been steadily at it. Now I'm doing some one-on-one art with a girl I call "Pinky" on Tuesday mornings.
These kids have shown me so much. It's been fascinating to watch how an hour or two of art can completley decompress hostility, anger, or hyperactivity. Being the dorky textbook psychologist that I am, I was sort of expecting that they'd make a bunch of stereotypical angry shit like you see in movies.
But you know what they've been making? They've been making hearts, initials + initials, and postcards for their moms. Sweet, loving stuff that shows me they need connection. Not one of them palmed the carving blades and tried to harvest my organs. Shame on me for even joking.
Instead, one little boy insisted I take a photo from his collection of zoo animals. This might not sound like any big deal, until you realize this kid doesn't have any other possessions. And Pinky? She shyly presented me with a piece of chocolate she had saved just me for. She also writes me little notes in English exclaiming, "I like you!" These gestures are so grand because they're being generous with the very little that they have.
It has been one of the most rewarding and interesting things I've ever experienced.
Pinky and I made some cool accordion style books to keep the ATCs we're planning on trading. I constructed the sewn covers at home, but we worked on the inner folded pages together. I brought hers last week since mine wasn't finished yet. She doesn't know that I saved the little collage she made of a dog with a rhino horn on it's head saying "cool." I think she's going to be surprised and happy that my book has her artwork on the cover. The word "loathe" is also super interesting to me. I wonder if she knows what it means. Makes me think of love-hate knuckles.
Saturday I bought her very first Moleskin and am going to bring my journals in and show her the secrets to putting thoughts and ideas and feelings in the pages. I hope she "gets into it." Wish me luck!
PS - want to meet an artist who is an actual mental health professional? Check out this amazing interesting podcast with Seth Apter from The Altered Page. I've just been informed that a submission of mine will be included in the Style File section of his Artist Pulse so lets keep an eye for the 24th when it's coming out. And since I'm no longer a conscientious facebook objector, I also follow The Altered Page on Facebook!
wow what a nice thing to do for someone, and congratulations as well. I love the pinky story, and the accordian book you made, great colours
Posted by: lee | July 18, 2011 at 07:15 PM
You are making a wonderful difference in their lives. Congrats on your submission being published.
Posted by: Linda | July 18, 2011 at 07:15 PM
That's brilliant. I think it's great to give something back, and so rewarding when you see people really getting something from it. Love the little dog too.
Posted by: fiona | July 18, 2011 at 08:15 PM
I love hearing about your adventures with these kids. What a great experience (for them AND for you)!
Posted by: Andria | July 19, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Hey guys, thanks for the lovely comments! Pinky was so surprised yesterday when I came in with my finished book.
I could tell how flattered she was that I used her doggie on my cover! It was terrific to see her face.
Sometimes I worry I'll somehow screw up with her but your comments help me remember I'm just doing my best to reach out to this kid!
Thanks for that... xx tj
Posted by: TJ | July 20, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Hi TJ, Thank you so so so verry much for your verry nice comments on my blog! That makes me smile to!
Did you noticed that you can download the hipppie van? You may use it for your own art work, if you like! Your blog looks also verry artsy and lot's of great stuff to read!!! What I am certainly are going to do...!
Thanks again!!!
Bye from your neighbour from the Netherlands,
Deezy
Posted by: Deezy | July 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Hi TJ...tis wonderful that you are working with those kids...art may change some lives...good for you for steering them in that direction. The accordian book is great!
Posted by: Mary | July 20, 2011 at 02:55 PM
What great things you are doing with and for Pinky and the other kids. Art and personal interaction can be so powerful. Thanks too for your generous words about my blog and podcast.
Posted by: Seth | July 20, 2011 at 03:54 PM
giving you time and energy to those children is more precious than anything else you can give. Well done!
Posted by: Moira Neal | February 10, 2012 at 03:29 PM
That's great! I am a little afraid of children, despite having been one and having two nephews and a niece who are great kids!
Recently I started volunteering at a local library. The kids who come in are really polite and nice (so far!). Maybe I will end up being not-so-scared.
Posted by: Sandra L. | June 18, 2012 at 02:27 AM