Joya Air Art Residency
The visual artists have given beautifully curated personal presentations as they are about to leave the residency. Everyone gathers around the table, and the white wall projects their previous work and those who have inspired them. Then we all trot over to their studio and see the pieces they have crafted while at Joya.
I thought how boring my presentation would be as a writer: Me explaining to them my past (blah blah) and then reading out a short story I have been working on. (more words) Plus, no fancy studio visit to top it all off.
On my first day at the residency, I noticed a pit dug in a perfect circle as I was roaming around the house. The word Story Circle popped into my head and has stuck with me since.
Whenever I travel, I usually host a writing workshop, and the idea came to combine my presentation with a mini workshop. I felt Story Circle should be part of this, so I sat down with my faithful blue notebook to shape my ideas into a cohesive gathering.
On my last Friday at Joya, it was finally time.
My first ever Story Cicrle was about to happen.
As the sun was setting her soft orange glow, the residents gathered and sat down in the perfectly round excavation in the ground. I explained that in Maori culture (and many others), rituals and ceremonies often happen in a circle. Everyone beams their energy towards the group, giving and receiving. The group's shape forms a barrier against the outside world, creating a safe space.
The history of storytelling is as old as humanity, and I explained that we were doing precisely what our cave-dwelling ancestors did 40.000 years ago. I told them something about my background, read my short story that I have been writing here, and then hosted a small writing exercise, resulting in precious 10-word stories.
Donna mentioned that she would not have shared hers had we been seated at the dinner table. Somehow, my safe space idea had worked!
I don't think I will find a spot so perfect for the job anytime soon, so I am pleased to have hosted my very first (and possibly last) Story Circle!
Chapter 9 The Story Circle
April 30, 2023
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Joya Air Art Residency
The visual artists have given beautifully curated personal presentations as they are about to leave the residency. Everyone gathers around the table, and the white wall projects their previous work and those who have inspired them. Then we all trot over to their studio and see the pieces they have crafted while at Joya.
I thought how boring my presentation would be as a writer: Me explaining to them my past (blah blah) and then reading out a short story I have been working on. (more words) Plus, no fancy studio visit to top it all off.
On my first day at the residency, I noticed a pit dug in a perfect circle as I was roaming around the house. The word Story Circle popped into my head and has stuck with me since.
Whenever I travel, I usually host a writing workshop, and the idea came to combine my presentation with a mini workshop. I felt Story Circle should be part of this, so I sat down with my faithful blue notebook to shape my ideas into a cohesive gathering.
On my last Friday at Joya, it was finally time.
My first ever Story Cicrle was about to happen.
As the sun was setting her soft orange glow, the residents gathered and sat down in the perfectly round excavation in the ground. I explained that in Maori culture (and many others), rituals and ceremonies often happen in a circle. Everyone beams their energy towards the group, giving and receiving. The group's shape forms a barrier against the outside world, creating a safe space.
The history of storytelling is as old as humanity, and I explained that we were doing precisely what our cave-dwelling ancestors did 40.000 years ago. I told them something about my background, read my short story that I have been writing here, and then hosted a small writing exercise, resulting in precious 10-word stories.
Donna mentioned that she would not have shared hers had we been seated at the dinner table. Somehow, my safe space idea had worked!
I don't think I will find a spot so perfect for the job anytime soon, so I am pleased to have hosted my very first (and possibly last) Story Circle!
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