"INTERNATIONAL" EXPERIENCE

By CORINNE STUBSON
MEDFORD, OREGON

On April 28, 2004, I had the great pleasure of speaking to about 60 adult students of 'English as a Second language' (ESL) at our local Rogue Community College, Medford, Oregon, campus.

The topic was...Altered Books! hmmmm...now how did that happen? Well - last fall I taught an AB '101' class at a local art gallery, and two of the class participants were the instructors of the ESL program at RCC. They were so taken with the artform, that they both decided to incorporate AB's as a part of their curriculum, and each student is altering a book to tell his/her 'story'. The instructors, Carina deOliveira, and Kiersta Fricke Gostnell, then asked me if I would bring my altered books, and tell 'my story' as an altered book artist, and share a bit about 'why' I create AB's and what they mean to me. No short order! (By the way, these instructors are also creating their own fabulous AB's!)

ESL Program Head, Carina deOliviera, at left

ESL Instructor Kiersta Fricke Gosnel, on right

I was a bit nervous, though I 'teach' AB's, and have no trouble talking, as those who know me, can attest to! (big smile here). What made me nervous was speaking s-l-o-w-l-y, in language that could be understood by adults who are just in the midst of learning English. My fears were unfounded, as soon as I walked into the room. Before me were adults who were attentive, so polite, smiling, and I felt as if I was in the midst of a big family! It was truly a wonderful sensation and experience.

I put my books out on one table, and all the folks were invited by the instructors to view them, and with my permission, to handle them and look them over. I stood in the background amazed! I had no idea that my books would draw the interest and curiosity and questions that they did - but they did! I think the funniest time I had was trying to explain to a young man from Iran, I believe, who I think works in jewelry art, what my 'Diamond in the Rough' book sculpture was about. I realized the play on words worked fine in English, but lost a bit in translation! First- I had to explain the meaning of 'rough' - easy enough with visual aids. But how does one begin to explain a play on words? Suffice it to say he 'sort of' understood. We laughed and agreed it might just need to be left as a bit of a mystery to him.

The most moving time for me was when everyone was asked to introduce themselves. One by one, I met many people from Mexico, and others from Honduras, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Iran, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Bolivia, and felt an overwhelming pride- THEIR pride - in being a part of an international community seeking a peaceful common purpose, and being successful in their efforts. The wonderful part of altered book art is that it is an art form which transcends language barriers, and is accessible to anyone who wishes to express 'self' through book art!

I was greeted so warmly, and suffice it to say, the politeness and regard extended to me by this community was something I will cherish forever! I felt as if they were *my* teachers, reminding me of the beauty of humility and grace and genuine delight in the midst of art. I will not forget the experience.

And the experience is not over! In June, each adult student in the two ESL classes will have an exhibit and show of their individual altered books at RCC camous in Medford; I have been invited to attend, and will definitely report back with pictures!

Corinne showing a student one of her books

Corinne Stubson, altered book artist in Oregon, shares altered books with the international community. For more information, contact Corinne at: www.glitz-oh.com