KOMYE, HAITI
In January 2014, we made simple telescopes out of bamboo...
returning to Haiti: stringing up a gallery
KOMYE, HAITI
I had the pleasure of returning to see our friends in Komye, Haiti this month, with artist Alyssa Dennis and engineer Mike O'Toole. We returned with the photographs I made during our Obzevatwa workshop in January '14. For the week we were there, the community center domes became a gallery of images.
camera-shaped camera kit
Every participant in the Obzevatwa workshop will receive a little optics kit, which consists of:
- a lens (a 50mm diameter biconvex lens, with a 25cm focal length)
- a first-surface mirror (a nice round chunky disc, about 2" in diameter and 1/2" thick, shatterproof)
- a jeweler's loupe
- a little microscope, called a "bug box"
We designed a multi-chambered duct tape wallet of sorts, to hold each of these objects, and added a length of parachute cord to it, so that it can be worn around the neck.
As worn by Elza, Jonathan, and Nkoula.
The fact that it looks like a little old-fashioned camera is only somewhat accidental.
running some tests
register for Klas
KOMYE, HAITI
On the signup sheet, we asked each child to write their name and age. We set no upper or lower age limit on the workshop. We left thirty spaces for names to be written into, as that was our intended upper limit on attendance. The only condition we imposed upon attendance is that we asked that children attend all five days. Then we set the sign out in front of the community center.
By the end of the day, the signup sheet was nearly full. (Eventually, kids began writing their names in tiny letters, at the tops of boxes already claimed by other kids.)
the curious ones
KOMYE, HAITI
As we prepare for next week's workshop, we are rarely without an audience. Children, especially younger ones, play at the periphery of our work, peeking at us, puzzling over what we're up to. This is as we had hoped - by working outside under the mango trees, our intention is to pique the curiosity of the children in Komye, creating opportunities for them to observe our demeanor and watch us engage in quiet, careful making, drawing, and problem-solving.
Timoun yo! Vini jwe... (Children! Come play...)
KOMYE, HAITI
How to get the word out about our children's workshop? We set about designing a giant sign to place in front of the community center:
Timoun yo! Vini jwe avek
Limye! Lonbraj! Lantiy!
Klas “Obzevatwa”
Lendi-Vandredi 1-4:30 apre-midi
Children! Come play with
Light! Shadows! Lenses!
“Observatory” class
Monday-Friday 1-4:30 PM
Lacol, a professional sign-painter, was happy to consult.
naima & adaku
KOMYE, HAITI
Naima and Adaku of Ayiti Resurrect, putting a meal together for their crew.