PROJECT: Press Molds
This week I decided to introduce press molds to the guys. Before i met with the guys, Jake and i had a meeting with Mr. Freeman, Mrs. Passmore, and Mr.Wyat. We discussed how the current supervisor expressed his lack of want to sit in the class because he was not getting paid for it. We also discussed starting a list and enforcing it to push for more cooperation with the guys. After meeting with them, we were put into one of the rec rooms and waited for the guys to come into class. When they came, I introduced press molds and the different ways they could be used. By either collaging multiple pieces with imprinted textures, making single pieces of the mold, or using old techniques like pinch pots to imprint the patterns and molds onto the outer side of the work. the first half of class, Mr.Freeman was walking around making sure the guys knew they needed to straighten up and get to work, one of the students who enjoys clay a lot was teaching Mr. Freeman the techniques that i have taught them. I would ask him questions and see if he would remember certain ones, which he did. Jake and I had a solid group of guys this week that were really involved and were creating and being productive the whole time. Conversations ranged from jokes throughout the group to me pushing ideas of what they are creating. I was also able to share with them that all of the work they had made so far was going to be in their property pile when they left the facility, which filled some of the guys with happiness, surprised that i had all of the stuff they made, which i ensured them i did. Class was over, and on the way out, Jake and I both agreed that it was the best day we had working with the guys, as they were very productive and there was a great energy in the room the whole time.
The second visit this week, I brought new molds to let the guys mess with new designs and imprints. They really enjoyed the patterns and prints of the new molds. They continued to make new things using the molds, though getting them to think more three dimensional was a little tough, even after showing an example. I had two packs of oreos with six oreos in each pack, and four students. I told them they could decide whether they wanted to share the packs evenly or have a chance at winning a pack for them selves leaving two guys without oreos. They all decided they wanted to make it fare and we split up the oreos so everyone could have three. I started some conversations about how and what led them to this position in their life, which they were all ok with telling me their actions/charges. I would question whether they enjoyed being in the facility which they all replied no, then id offer some thought about being so young and loosing so much time over mistakes. And how future actions lead them into life decisions and circumstances. I pushed their thinking towards conscious decisions making and shared some personal stories about past decisions and how they led me to certain areas of my life. One of the new guys who had been there for only 14 days was staring out the window, saying "man i'm surrounded by fences.." then i asked how long he had left which he replied 12-18 months. The feeling i go from the answer was a little unsettling, knowing that you'd be in that building for the next year of your life, must be a tough pill to swallow. I also shared thought towards groups you hangout with and how it has influences on your life and the decisions you make which they were all listening to. Jokes were made throughout the whole time i was there which is always nice to see them laugh and smile. I left the class with new work made and letting them know id see them in two weeks because of spring break.
More pics coming
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