One minute twenty three seconds into the Film, kneeling down in the street with an audio recording device, CK demonstrates an appreciation of her day-to-day living. This form of action underpins a responsive creative, ready to interpret ‘sounds’ around her formulating and assembling work. This process of recording in their surroundings, resonates deeply with me. For many years, I have used the analogy of Peter Parker, also known by his alter ego Spider-Man, when speaking to students about being perceptive to our environments and encouraging the capturing of points of interest, whether by sketchbook or camera. A reference from a fictional character. Here I have been given a real-life creative who has a disability, preparing to contribute to a conversation, as CK states “to use sound as a vehicle to connect with and reach a larger audience. That was my mission”, It becomes preparation for an immersive experience of art performance.
“Let’s listen with our eyes and not just our ears. That would be the ideal. Let’s look at the bigger picture.” I have the privilege of teaching Level 4 students on BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring fundamental design principles as part of their ‘Introduction to Bespoke Tailoring’ a University-wide Unit of study. The fore mentioned statement by CK is a fascinating perspective to share with the students, at a pivotal point to nurture a conversation which is holistic in its approach. Empowering students to utilise their surroundings, preparing them to develop sustainable practices, which exercises their own appreciation and opinions, constructing primary Research, which has authenticity, in preparation to review and evaluate by peer and academic participation.
“Growing up communicating with my parents was often confusing. My parents were trying to learn English & Sign Language at the same time. It was confusing because I was getting fragments of different languages and grammar. I had ideas I wanted to express but couldn’t…It was so frustrating. I felt like my voice was being suffocated…literally choked. And I was boxed in by my language constraints.“ This excerpt from CK describing her intersectionalities speaks volumes to the learning complexities of immigrant children. I grew up in a household where my mother tongue of Punjabi was spoken in the house and English spoken outside. Therefore, being constantly aware, that one is navigating two cultural societies becomes a norm. I only realise now, that growing up, I was not aware of some household products in the English language, because they were not given an equivalent inside the house, for there was not an explanation by an adult who had the awareness to interpret its meaning. This causing a barrier and ultimately, as CK describes “confusion” at those pivotal points of learning. In my delivery to students, I always pause regularly to ask students questions and directly ask if they understand “my English?” ready to suggest or interpret my content using different words, until understood in successful communication.
Image and all quotes taken from Nowness, Todd Selby x Christine Sun Kim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqJA0SZm9zI)