Building LILANGELES: The 3rd Letter – Collective Dreaming

In continuation of the third letter, students at HOLA create narratives in a shadow puppetry workshop led by guest artist, Natalie Ferguson and guest videographer, Calvin Waterman.

It's the third week of Christine's artist residency project and students are devoted to filming the third video letter with even more creativity. With guest artist, Natalie Ferguson, and guest videographer, Calvin Waterman, students create shadow puppet narratives to be filmed and edited into their video letter.

First, the students were asked to envision an avatar, drawing and conceptualizing them through a worksheet.

Then, they physically actualize their avatars, drawing and cutting them out on black paper. They also attach other materials to incorporate color.

With these handheld characters, our students insert them into stories, imagining whole worlds where their characters live and interact. They find audio to pair with their narratives, expressing their dreams and personality through the audio-visual realms of shadow puppetry.

With the guidance of Natalie, in small groups, the students bring their shadow puppets to life under the projector, narrating through voiceover along the way. Calvin aids in capturing their stories by filming the projector.

The students dreamed beautiful worlds, showcasing themselves further and inviting our Les Lilas penpals to partake in their imagined adventures.

Thank you Natalie and Calvin for all of your guidance and expertise during this session!

About Natalie Ferguson: https://www.nataliejferguson.com/

About Calvin Waterman: https://violetoffice.com/