Since my last post, we have been working both individually and in smaller groups to actually create the artwork for the different panels. Meeting as a full group was difficult due to summer vacations, Ramadan, and Jewish High Holidays. However, we did get together one evening in September. We celebrated Ramadan by breaking the fast at Shela's house. The meal was organized and prepared by the Muslim artists. Those of us who could make it brought spouses along too and it was a lively, lovely, social evening. For me, and I know for others, it was wonderful to experience this part of Muslim tradition. And the meal was absolutely delicious! The Jewish artists are planning an event to reciprocate the sharing of tradition.
So that was great but we actually have been doing more than socializing and eating! Last week we got together again as a group and everyone brought what they have been working on all summer. It was amazing to get to Paul's studio and see all the structures in life size. It made this whole project feel very real. Seeing the size and scale of the structures made it it clear that this project is not only powerful figuratively but literally as well.
We made some progress applying the artwork that was in a finished enough state to do so and two of the panels have now come along very nicely and look beautiful.
We decided to get together next on Sunday, November 22 at 2:00 PM at Paul’s studio. At that time we're going to plan out and work on the shared panels. We'll also apply whatever additional completed art work there is to the structures. It's a great feeling to be able to see all the planning starting to become reality!
