delikatnie Thu, 19 Jul 2007
That was the name of the game last week when I attended the SLOT Art Festival in western Poland. Unfortunately yours truly oft displays the delikatnie of a one-legged and heavily intoxicated gorilla. Before expounding on that I should first give some background. I was invited to attend this festival a few days before my arrival in Poland and went immediately there after departing the train. My companions were Ania and Jacob and three friends of theirs (Ania and Jacob being the children of Darek and Asia who I met in Bojano and also went to Croatia with last month). In their company I experienced major struggle at first in adapting to yet another change of place, of people, of culture, of obstacles, and all else that have become my hurdles. In the first days of attendance I noted in myself a very negative emotional state of feeling so out of place and out of touch with the normal dynamics of life. I hadn't the energy or desire to struggle to communicate and had the sense of wishing to be elsewhere yet no concept of where or what place that might be. With my chums I was a poor and infrequent communicator, a Skyler reality that many would understand is not in the least normal. Thankfully in those days when moments of loneliness and a sense of despondance rose to their peak I met individuals whose graciousness and ability to communicate freely strengthened my spirit. Those individuals and the company of my friends brought life back to this weary traveler. I had the opportunity then to truly enjoy this amazing festival.
What is this SLOT you may wonder? In a word its a mixture of diverse workshops, teaching of truths about God, concerts, relationship building, and encouragement of artistic awareness. The workshops ranged from fire dancing, djembe drum playing, and dread lock sporting to philosophical discussions of life, family, poetry, and religious ideals. Concerts ranging from hard rock to reggae and worship. I have never before experienced such a diversity of activity nor balance in maintaining a focus on the teaching of God truths while allowing for exploration of so many areas of art and philosophy.
How did I spend my time? Shooting arrows at distant targets (I'm pleased to announce that no persons were seriously injured), hitting drums with the rhythmic talent of the next chap whose never before attempted (when you have a long term musician encouraging you to feel the music within and all you feel is the activity of your lower intestine or the sudden urge to ram the drumstick into his earhole you wish for childhood years and youthful musical exploration) and performing modern dance with the aforementioned gorilla style delikatnie. Modern dance was the most memorable not only for the friendships made therein but for the newness of expression in its attempt. Day one and two of said workshop included joint wrenching movement and Bambi style prancing about with spin, twirl, squat, and roll accessories. Those who know me best can easily imagine I'm sure the wondrous grace of movement and fluidity I displayed. All eyes turned and I dare say a few stomachs turned and transplant eyeballs were requested. Day three was the crowning achievement of delikatnie styling. Envision now yours truly pair dancing with a strapping six footer to the tune of slow and deliberate snake style movement in and out of one another's space (all the while being encouraged to maintain the "delikatnie" theme). It gave touch me tender entirely new meaning and foulness of expression. Not a display to be repeated in mixed or weak stomached company let me tell ya. After this and more to a similar tune our final task was four person improvisational dance with again the challenge of entirely new expression. It was these challenges I think that so bonded our little group of willing participants and I was fortunate to spend many of my last hours at the camp in their company. Overall the camp was an amazing lesson in the beauty of offering a diversity of enjoyment and experience and it was wonderful to see the artistic accomplishments of others in those final days and final performances.
On Monday we departed the camp for our journey here to Warsaw and the home of Darek and Asia. The warmth and joy of this family, their excitement for my coming, and the endless hours of learning a language that I have grown to love and be thrilled in the acquisition of combine to make for exuberant enjoyment of each moments since my arrival. There is a new photo album up with pictures from the camp. You'll remember Ania and Jacob from before and the newcomers are Patricya, Agnieska, and another Jacob. Those pictured elsewhere are friends I met in the modern dance class and as I mentioned spent much time with in the last days. In case any of you have interest the website for the camp is www.slot.art.pl . If you wish take a gander.