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| The straight-edged strips were pre-cut; the tiny detailed pieces were made on site by the women with punch tools. |
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| The dimensional fabric paint was a big hit with the immigrant women who created these "Garden of Gratitude" art prayers. |
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| The strips of pretty paper were pre-cut before going inside the detention center. |
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| Sabrina's art journal entry which inspired Jardin de Gratitud (Garden of Gratitude). |
Guest artist Sabrina created this mixed media art journal entry by following the art instructions in two art journal books.
I modified the combined concept so it could be used within the parameters of a so-called family detention center. Limitations include no easy access to water; limited access to electricity (one outlet where I plug in one hair dryer to force dry the art); no scissors; non toxic materials; and generally 30-40 minutes per person to complete the project. Sabrina's detailed and beautiful example was gradually created over several days and includes materials and tools which could not be used inside the detention center.
Instead of the detailed cut-work of Sabrina's example, the revised version includes hand torn shapes. (I later found a source for Spanish language newspapers and magazines for the women to use for their art.)
Paper punch tools provided the detailed cut pieces. The "holes" became a stencil and provided another layer.
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| Tempura paint (non toxic) provided the base for the immigrant art version. |
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| The "smooshing" technique for the background called for plastic wrap, but waxed paper proved to be much easier. |
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| Paper punch tools provided the small details for the cut paper collage additions. |
