October 15, 2023
Last weekend marked an unforgettable adventure as I joined my friends on a trip to Saint John Island, organized by our passionate friend, Sam. Our shared enthusiasm for beach cleanups and environmentalism led us to Bendara Bay, a location typically off-limits to the public. Unfortunately, this beautiful bay has suffered due to the currents bringing in trash from the mainland.
Our day began with a delightful picnic lunch and introductions. To add a creative touch to our outing, I took charge of hosting an art jamming session. The excitement in the air was palpable as I explained the collaborative painting activity that awaited us. Each person joined a group of five and was given five minutes to paint anything related to marine life.
The questions that followed demonstrated a genuine curiosity about the intricacies of mixing colors. "What happens when you blend orange and blue?" they asked, or "How do you make black?" Encouraging them to think through these questions on their own turned out to be an effective approach. It was heartening to see nearly half of the group confidently share their knowledge. Once the paint, palettes, and canvases were distributed, creativity flowed freely. Drawing on my experience as an assistant in art jams, I noticed how this group embraced a fearless approach to their expression. Unlike other groups I've worked with, they experimented with techniques not explicitly taught. Finger painting, abstract art, and incorporating found objects and fallen sticks into their pieces were just some of the innovative methods they explored.
What struck me most was the collective energy within the group. An individual's creative choice seemed to ripple through the others, creating a harmonious aesthetic. One person painted a breathtaking sunset, inspiring others in the group to capture similar scenes. Another member focused on depicting imaginative monsters, and this motif seemed to echo across their works.
As the painting session came to a close, we gathered their masterpieces for a group exhibition. It was wonderful to listen to a few individuals share their thoughts on their creations and what inspired them. Diverse perspectives emerged from non-artists, all united by a shared fervor for marine conservation. Their passion was unmistakable, vividly reflected in their works, and it was evident that they had truly relished the experience.
Through this workshop, I also learned a few pointers for hosting an art jam:
It's crucial to plan logistics ahead of time and ensure you have some surplus items on hand, just in case. I learned this the hard way when an unexpected extra guest arrived, and I had only prepared for the exact number of attendees.
When organizing a painting activity, it's advisable to supply a broader range of colors for beginners. They may not be familiar with paint mixing techniques, even after receiving a tutorial.
Offer participants some brainstorming prompts in case they find themselves stuck without a clear idea of what to paint. This can help kickstart their creativity and guide them towards a subject that resonates with them.
Consider providing reference images or suggesting online resources for inspiration. Googling images or offering visual references can be immensely helpful for participants seeking ideas or seeking to refine their artistic vision.
This trip to Saint John Island was not only an opportunity to contribute to environmental preservation but also a celebration of creativity and shared purpose. It reinforced the power of collective action and the ability of art to communicate a deep-seated commitment to a cause. In the future, I hope to have more such experiences where conservation and creativity intersect for the benefit of the environment.
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