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Different Perspectives

Though the “My Immigration” project was a significant experience for the participants, not all the students enjoyed the project. The other students simply lost interest after the first class and decided not to create a final artwork, informing me that the project was too difficult. One student could not participate because of urgent family matters and was not willing to find time to spare on the project even after the issues were resolved. There was a student who participated in the project and finished her work but did not enjoy the process. Her name is Park and she came to the US 25 years ago. She is a friendly, warm person who attends each class with a full set of materials, works hard in the class, and practices art technique at home. It came as a surprise when she was silent during brainstorming and drawing exercises. I reached out to her during the class and asked if anything was bothering her and she said “there is not much to tell” and continued her silence. I got the sense that she did not want to dig into the unpleasant memories and that the project was making her uncomfortable. When Park shared her final work with the class, the message of the work focused on the present and future instead of the past. She illustrated what is important in her life such as family, pets, and travel. Park also visualized her wish to have camping tours in the US. She decorated her work with a landscape of Korea and traditional patterns found in Korean patchwork called Jogakbo. Even though Park’s artwork did not reflect her past emotions, it did reflect her knowledge of Korea, her mother country. I am proud of her efforts to finish the project—which bothered her in many ways—and am looking forward to hearing more about her reflections. Following the presentation, I asked the participants a few questions about how the process of making the project and sharing their artwork made them feel. Park has not responded yet but I did hear back from the rest. 

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Final Artwork of Park

She illustrated what is important in her life such as family, pets and travel. Park also visualized her wish to have camping tours in the US. She decorated her work with a landscape of Korea and traditional patterns found in Korean patchwork called Jogakbo.

Chicago Moms Art

Instructor: Annie Lee

anniemaeng@gmail.com

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