Flying
The last two weeks flew by. At this moment, I am sitting on a plane heading back to Toronto. Its raining. The whole island is under storm alert. The entire time I was in Jamaica, there was nary drop of precipitation in Palmers Cross but yesterday rivers ran down the streets, the thirsty ground could not hold it all. Unfortunately, our community celebration was planned for last night. I was looking forward to seeing a new video that was created iindependently by some of our students. It was going to be a surprise screening. They must be so disappointed after working hard. I'm so proud of them for taking the initiative and working on their own!
When we arrived five weeks ago, time stretched before us. It ran out in a wink. No matter how long I spend in Jamaica, its never enough.
After I finished teaching Digital Storytelling I taught short technical skill seminars including: DVD authoring, designing and making DVD labels and web development. School was now finished and a few young students joined us. Those who were there from the beginning developed new skills they shared with the newcomers.
After I finished teaching, I moderated a couple of interviews of local Jamaican artists. The program that will be presented on Unesco's Caribbean Radio Portal by Container Radio. The first discussion was about Rasta movement and its role in Jamaica and around the world. mervin, who spearheaded the radio portal and the Container Radio program initiated and participated in the discussion. His views were very different than the others so the discussion was lively.
In the piece about local artists, Bally, a young artist read from her poems. Via Cohra, a mesmerizing and talented performer whose work has graced stages and streets of Jamaica performed some of his works. The third participant was Roy, whose voracious appetite for learning media arts motivated him to participate in both Second Life and Digital Storytelling programs as well as photoshop and video workshops previously held at the Container. Sharing my story with these Jamaican artists made me realize the important role digital media plays in my life. Most of my work comes through international networks via of the internet, something that was new for all of them. I encouraged them to create local networks of their own, join international networks and combine their skills to help each other.
In our final week we returned to Negril. I met many artists there musicians, dancers, singers, craftspeople and I thought again about the role new media could play in providing new audiences and opportunities for these artists and a new avenue for creative expression. Perhaps this will become the seed for a new media workshop series for artists across Jamaica.
In the next few weeks, I will reflect on the journey and fill in some of the gaps in the blog. I'm on my way "home" now—richer than before I left. Full of new experiences—new energy. Ready to share what I've learned.
When we arrived five weeks ago, time stretched before us. It ran out in a wink. No matter how long I spend in Jamaica, its never enough.
After I finished teaching Digital Storytelling I taught short technical skill seminars including: DVD authoring, designing and making DVD labels and web development. School was now finished and a few young students joined us. Those who were there from the beginning developed new skills they shared with the newcomers.
After I finished teaching, I moderated a couple of interviews of local Jamaican artists. The program that will be presented on Unesco's Caribbean Radio Portal by Container Radio. The first discussion was about Rasta movement and its role in Jamaica and around the world. mervin, who spearheaded the radio portal and the Container Radio program initiated and participated in the discussion. His views were very different than the others so the discussion was lively.
In the piece about local artists, Bally, a young artist read from her poems. Via Cohra, a mesmerizing and talented performer whose work has graced stages and streets of Jamaica performed some of his works. The third participant was Roy, whose voracious appetite for learning media arts motivated him to participate in both Second Life and Digital Storytelling programs as well as photoshop and video workshops previously held at the Container. Sharing my story with these Jamaican artists made me realize the important role digital media plays in my life. Most of my work comes through international networks via of the internet, something that was new for all of them. I encouraged them to create local networks of their own, join international networks and combine their skills to help each other.
In our final week we returned to Negril. I met many artists there musicians, dancers, singers, craftspeople and I thought again about the role new media could play in providing new audiences and opportunities for these artists and a new avenue for creative expression. Perhaps this will become the seed for a new media workshop series for artists across Jamaica.
In the next few weeks, I will reflect on the journey and fill in some of the gaps in the blog. I'm on my way "home" now—richer than before I left. Full of new experiences—new energy. Ready to share what I've learned.
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