Project: Dreams 2010-2011
La Cometa
On this very day exactly one month ago, I began teaching as a maestra of two courses in "Italian sartorial tailoring" and millinery to a special group of women, at Lake Como. I named this project “Dreams”. I am experiencing many unbelievable moments with incredible people from all walks of life with difference in thought, nationality, religion, beliefs, mind set and of action. And one incredible person of action is named Mr. Erasmo Figini. Erasmo, together with his brother Innocente, created a community organization called 'La Cometa Formation'.
As of 2009 the school “Oliver Twist”, establish by La Cometa Formation, offers instruction and professional formation to the under privilege, the unemployed, families with social economic difficulties and 250 students between the ages of 14 to 18 years old, recuperating lost scholastic school years, to achieve high artisan skills, by means of using the “intelligence of the hands“. Erasmo and three of his key collaborators, Marco, Franco and Barbara are assisting me in creating the orientation and educational process needed for my class.
The school “Oliver Twist", Lake Como
The school “Oliver Twist” means “adventure with an passion for education”. Oliver Twist was the “star” of Charles Dicken’s famous romance, that after many difficulties, and thanks to a person who took him in and introduced a better life and hope.
....achieving high artisan skills, by means of using the “intelligence of the hands“
This was a project of restoration by the young artisans students of the Oliver Twist School, including fixtures, furniture and decorations in a villa of Liberty Style on Lake Maggiore, Como.
Contrada Artisans
When I first saw these lovely vintage glass jars with brass lids and on their rack, I immediately fell-in-love with them! They are original antique candy jars from Florence and are used today to contain beautifully-colored natural powdered tints, utilize for restoring and painting wood interiors. Just amazing!
Last Thursday evening after my lessons, I had the occasion to see a marvelous collection of antique chairs about to be restored into these outstanding beauties. I personally love collecting unusual chairs myself.
Exhibition "Nobilis", Paris
43 original chairs realized by young artisans of the Oliver Twist School (wood craft and textile design) and in collaboration with Contrada Artisans.
November 18, 2009.
The Comet Formation (center-Mr. Erasmo Figini)
The Cometa was awarded a premium title as best school for artistic ability and quality and for excellence in the educative and formative sector.
Dreams
This is exactly what I have come to experience as a maestra,
Education is an experience...
because teacher and student are learning together.
The "objectives" of my courses in Italian sartorial tailoring and millinery,
are to create experts capable of working in autonomy
supported by specialized technical competencies
required in the industry today,
generating the possibilities for future work prospectives
as a professional choice. And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Have a wonderful week
In joy,
Kirsten
