_ particle monologues -- teacher workshops @ the mca -- 2008

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

In this text & image workshop, teachers will investigate the big idea of INHERITANCE through an exploration of “particle monologues,” the notion that each of us carries and rehearses the lost fragments of conversation addressed to a particular "you" from our personal and collective histories. When that person leaves, dies, disappears, we are still left speaking to that person -- addressing unrequited, undiscovered, unrevealed messages from within. Through the creation of “particle monologues,” we get to expose, expunge, and exalt the voice inside each of us that speaks to a “you” lost in history. Teachers will create an installation by exchanging “particle monologues” with each other on shipping tags and tying them to secret spots throughout the city. In doing so, we create a collective, participatory listening to the past. With “particle monologues” hanging from tree limbs, bicycle handles, and anywhere else, our messages to history are grounded in the present tense, communicated to a stranger, or free to fly away.

WORKSHOP PROCESS:

To create “particle monologues,” participants will

• Physically warm up to the ideas of today’s workshop
• Read Vasko Popa’s poem “In the Village of My Ancestors.”
• Discuss & analyze the poem using Aesthetic Inquiry.
• Write poetry in response to the poem & discussion.
• Learn about “Particle Monologues” project by viewing examples.
• Edit and select poetic fragments to transfer onto a shipping tag.
• Learn simple & powerful photo transfer techniques.
• Apply photo transfers to shipping tags.
• Transfer final poetic fragments onto shipping tags.
• Embellish shipping tags with grommets, water color, colored pencil, and other materials.
• Place tags in vellum envelopes.
• Trade one envelope & tag with a participant.
• Walk around the museum or neighborhood to install “particle monologues”
• Return & Reflect.
• Discuss classroom applications & structures for learning & teaching.