The children continue to represent cacti in the Atelier with multiple materials. Using our cacti metaphor in the East Wing, we continue to explore how to navigate relationships when friendships get prickly.
Olivia, painting a cactus: How do we make the spines white?
Naomi, using dyes on canvas: We don’t want green!
turning it green.
Cindy considers these observations as an opportunity to relate back to the relationship exploration with the need to isolate at times and she
Gia: Blending friends makes me happy. Sonia and I were friends and when we came here we made so, so many new friends!
Cindy: Sometimes friends need to be alone.
Sonia: When we spend too much time together, I might need some space. So I’ll say, ‘We did a lot of stuff so maybe we can play together later in the afternoon.’
Gia: I’ll say, ‘Can I please have some space?’
Cindy: What does it mean to resist? When have you resisted, what were your strategies?
Juliet: Like when you step away from someone. Sometimes we resist words.
Arnon: I’m going to resist touching the spines.
As the final canvas emerges, we’re taking different perspectives on friendship, opening to wider circles while still keeping boundaries.