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Rimutaka Prison
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This community arts project was funded by the Department of Corrections in 1994, in which Nora West ran a one week workshop with long term male inmates, teaching silk painting techniques. The men drew traditional Maori carving patterns straight onto the stretched silk with gutta, and painted it with silk dyes in brilliant colours. Two wall hangings were produced for the prison (and a number of silk scarves got posted home). Officers commented that sharp woodcarving tools were risky in this environment, and that translating the designs to the fabric medium made workshops more practicable. The colours and texture of the floating silks transformed the flowing lines of the whakairo into treasures of light and air. This workshop was a joy to be involved in and many tangible and intangible learning processes were exchanged. A bonus outcome was a work contract for silk scarves and ties, presented as gifts to delegates attending a Corrections Conference. "Art is a unique way for inmates to
claim a sense of ownership of their environment, a way that also encourages
positive attitudes and peaceful behaviour. Art is one of a number of tools
used in prison to establish community links, to help develop a sense of
achievement and to enhance self-esteem."
Phil McCarthy, |
