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"INTERNATIONAL" EXPERIENCE CONTINUED
By CORINNE STUBSON
MEDFORD, OREGON
Today I had the great pleasure of returning to Rogue Community College in Medford, OR., to see the altered books created by the adult ESL (English as Second Language) students, which I introduced last month to ISABA. I was invited back by the instructors, Kiersta and Carina, and the whole class. When I arrived in the room where the books were being displayed by their owners, I was greeted with familiar smiles and friendly handwaves. I felt as if I was coming home to family! I met Ali from Iran, Julia from Puerto Rico, Consuelo from Mexico, Arlenson from Colombia and others from Mexico, and friends from Indonesia, Bolivia, Peru.
 From Mexico |  Arlenson from Colombia |  From Mexico |
The instructors had listed certain 'content' items for the students to work with - such as 'family', 'best gift', 'happiest moment', etc. Within those guidelines, these adults were free to create their stories however they chose. I have never seen such exuberance and pride in altered books as was displayed today! The care with which each adult created his/her story, the innovative artwork and dimensional expressions, the color, symbolism and sheer pride of place - all of these things contributed to a festive, happy and meaningful time.
 Vistors to Exhibit |  Sharing with Visitor |
Members of the ESL classes had decorated their tables with colorful fabrics and papers, to enhance the display of their books. Various folks coming into the room found themselves immersed in the stories and artwork - amazed that such a thing as altered books existed! There were three large poster boards displaying the information about the ESL program and the diversity of its students.
 Three Books |  Exhibit Sign |
My only regret of the day was that I did not have more time to spend viewing the wonderful creations before me. The time alloted for the exhibit/show was one and one half hours at mid-day - I could have spent the entire afternoon hearing the stories the class members were so ready to share. Ali is going to be making a book for his bride to be. Julia, from Puerto Rico, has shared her beautiful and poignant life story in page upon page of photos and art. Consuelo confided that she had had a heart transplant four years ago! She was beaming with happiness at her new life! My friend from Indonesia misses his homeland immensely. The gentleman from Peru was proudly displaying not only his beautiful AB, but the many colorful items he painstakingly hand-painted. One class member was asking her fellow classmates to sign her book. The young woman from Bolivia proudly discussed the topography of her landlocked country, showing maps , and revealing in her book the multiple niches she created for tiny replicas of Bolivian musical instruments and other items.
 Julia's Astronomy Spread |
 Julia's Whole Book |  Julia's Wedding Spread |
 From Indonesia |  From Peru |  From Bolivia |
 Corinne, Julia, Carina |
I realized today that each of us yearns to tell 'our' story - we are so fortunate to have an artform that lends itself to multiple avenues of expression. I shared some altered book ideas with two intrepid teachers, who embraced the artform and then set it free for their students - what an honor to have been part of this journey. I am very grateful.
 From Colombia |  From Colombia |  Colombia - Family Tree |
 Arlenson - Colombia |
 From Mexico |  From Peru |
Corinne Stubson, altered book artist in Oregon, shares altered
books with the international community. For more information, contact Corinne at: www.glitz-oh.com |
