Today’s
guest blogger is Victoria Harrell, OSAI PR counselor.
Monday night’s artist showcase and presentations were
dancer and choreographer Daniel Squire followed by drawing and printmaking
instructor Marwin Begaye.
Daniel Squire’s performance began with accompanist Shelley Burgon plucking her harp while improvisation coach Regina Saisi softly read one of her favorite excerpts. Regina’s voice fluctuated between a whisper and a more projected voice while Daniel danced.
Throughout the whole performance, OSAI photography students were allowed to approach him, and took shots of every part of the performance. A clock projected onto the background counted down to the end of the performance. In this collaborative performance, there was movement and sound coming from every part of the stage. From the clicking of the cameras to the subtle sounds of the harp, from a few strokes of the piano as Burgon changed instruments to Squire’s audible breathing, it felt more like sound effects than an actual song being showcased.
Regardless of
your favorite discipline, from the instrumental pieces to the choreography; from
the poetry to the photography, there was something to interest everyone in the
audience. After Squire was done answering question the students had for him,
Marwin Begaye took the stage.
Begaye presented highlights of his life’s work
projected on a giant screen. An
internationally recognized printmaker of Navajo origin, Begaye’s prints and
paintings reflect his interests and personal values. Begaye creates woodblock, linoleum, and other
types of prints as well as paintings.
Begaye shared stories about printmaking workshops he has participated in
around the world. He told personal stories
about his culture and family and how they influence his work. He also shared a photograph of his first
grandchild, born on Saturday! Congratulations Marwin!
In the cabin meeting fellow counselor Jessica
Tankersley and I had with our girls, we had them discuss how they felt about
the performance and presentation. Some
of the girls weren’t sure what to think about the avant garde modern dance
performance and were still running it through their minds over again to
understand it better. Others thought it
really illustrated what modern dance is all about. What we did agree on was
that modern dance, if nothing else, starts a conversation and leaves the
meaning behind it open for a personal interpretation. Furthermore, modern dance
lends the audience an opportunity to interpret and create their own story. All
of the students were impressed with Begaye’s bird prints, and touched by his
sweet stories about his family. Marwin
Begaye invited students to stop by the drawing/printmaking classroom today to
really see what printmaking is all about as well as tell stories about pieces
he did not have quite enough time for, and I have a good feeling there was
probably a line forming out the door! It
is safe to say that everyone learned a lot about the two disciplines showcased
and developed a newfound appreciation for a discipline they may not be
familiar with.
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