a monkey, a python, & a pot of mole
by Mercedes Padro
Cont.
Introduction......................................................................... 7 Alphabet of Cultures............................................................ 9
Burma.....................................................................
13
Thailand..................................................................
17
Guatemala...............................................................
21
El Salvador...............................................................
25
Mexico....................................................................
29
Conclusion........................................................................ 33
Introduction
I
n the making of this book, I first sought out to change the world. Inspired by Victor Papenek’s words – I too would be a social designer creating work with both
meaning and function. Instead of changing the world, I found that this book and the people I’ve met along the way have effected me. People and human interactions are what this project is about. In this book, I conducted a series of interviews amongst people in the Kansas City community who have or who are going through an E.S.L. or E.L.L. program. I’ve asked them to share their experiences and stories with us to encourage cross-cultural awareness within the Kansas City area. This book is a collection of stories, poems, and illustrations that reflect people, ideas, families, food, and culture.
what I talk about when I talk about culture When I talk about culture, I mean in the following sense; culture is the way a group lives and exists on a day to day basis. Culture is an essential part to who you are and why you are that person today. Whenever I address culture the intent is to celebrate – not demean – our differences.
7
introduction
log of daily journal
8
introduction
Alphabet of Cultures
A
lphabet of Cultures was a sub-project that acted as the research and creative process for this project. The goal of Alphabet of Cultures was to promote diver-
sity and cross-cultural awareness through social media which included Instagram and Facebook. I posted a handlettered and/or designed letter of the alphabet inspired by a country along with a short blurb on each country. For example, A is for Armenia, B is for Burma, C is for Cuba, D is for Denmark, etc. The selection process for the country of the day was influenced by cultures represented within the Kansas City Community. And other times it was because making a letter for – lets say – India sounded fun and inspiring. This project lasted from February 1st, 2016 to February 26th, 2016. As apart of the daily lettering process, I did extensive research and made mood boards for each country. I learned about different food, customs, and architecture before sketching and making my final post. The reception for this project was fun because a lot of people enjoyed seeing their culture represented and celebrated in a public sphere. I also found that people are curious about groups of people they don’t know much about.
9
a.o.c.
Qatar
embellishments
detailed
geometric patternwork
10
a.o.c.
Guatemala
bright bold colors
expressive
weaving patterns
11
a.o.c.
India
pastel + bright bold colors
ornate patterns
historical/religious influence
12
a.o.c.
Pohnpei
P
Day 16: P is for Pohnpei! “Upon” (pohn) a stone altar (pei)” is an island apart of Mi-
cronesia that is located in the middle of the Pacific a boats ride away from Australia. Pohnpei is one of the rainiest places in the world with 300 inches of rain a year and this P is inspired by the abundance of plant life on the island.
13
a.o.c.
tropical influence
floral patternwork
natural
14
a.o.c.
15
a.o.c. qatar
romania
yemen
pohnpei
wales
xi’an
oman
vietnam
kenya
denamark
cuba
burma
india
japan
armenia
honduras
B B
guatemala new zealand
fiji mexico thailand
uruguay
egypt lithuania spain zimbabwe
Alphabet of Cultures is on display from April 15th to May 13th at the H & R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute located at 16 East 43rd Street, Kansas City, M.O.
16
a.o.c.
ten years ago. Today, Carver lives in KCK working as a medical interpreter.
python in the jungle, joining an underground Karin army at the age of 17, and becoming a refugee. After UN approval, Carver and his family moved to the United States
Meet Carver. He goes to the KCK Community College where he’s taking E.S.L. night classes. Carver talked to me about growing up in Burma, hunting for monkey and
CARVER HLA, 62
Culture is something that we receive from our heart & our existence.
Q
lphabet of Cultures was a sub-project that acted as the research and creative process for this project. The goal of Alphabet of Cultures was to promote diver-
sity and cross-cultural awareness through social media which included Instagram and Facebook. I posted a handlettered and/or designed letter of the alphabet inspired by a country along with a short blurb on each country. For example, A is for Armenia, B is for Burma, C is for Cuba, D is for Denmark, etc. The selection process for the country of the day was influenced by cultures represented within the Kansas City Community. And other times it was because making a letter for – lets say – India sounded fun and inspiring. This project lasted from February 1st, 2016 to February 26th, 2016. As apart of the daily lettering process, I did extensive research and made mood boards for each country. I learned about different food, customs, and architecture before sketching and making my final post. The reception for this project was fun because a lot of people enjoyed seeing their culture represented and celebrated in a public sphere. I also found that people are curious about groups of people they don’t know much about.
18
Burma
My hope is that everyone who reads this book has a better appreciation for and love of different cultures as much as I do! If not, then maybe a story made you laugh or feel something significant. I’m a designer, illustrator, and writer currently living in Kansas City, Missouri. Outside of design I enjoy reading, playing piano, cooking, and petting dogs.