July 1, 2022

Interviews with Our Partners Amario’s art academy & jonathan Banks

We are honored to be partnering with Amario's Art Academy—an art school that continuously supports the imaginative and creative minds of children which is a healing experience. We are also honored to support artists like Jonathan Banks because we know that through the art they create they not only heal themselves but those who get to experience their work.  Our Partner Resource Manager, Madeline, was happy to have a little chat with Shondella Andre and Jonathan to discuss what art means, how it is a catalyst to building community, and about its healing component. 

INTERVIEW WITH SHONDELLA ANDRE

When you think of the arts and mental health what is the first thing that comes to your mind in terms of the Art Academy?

We still art classes during the pandemic and we started to realize how impactful it is in that space because it is allowing the kids to express themselves. The art is giving them an avenue.

Before we start in anything they write in journals and they take about 10 minutes and they get to express whatever they were going on that week and that's just a part of what we do to give them the opportunity to sit and think for a minute because everything is always go go go and it's really important for us to give them, the opportunity and space to do that and they come together and they have a blast and they really get to discuss that deep down that their not talking about at home and at school

In what ways does art help children to express themselves or establish identity? Can you give me an example?

Some are shy and closed off and it's like magic when they get together and they've known each other for years on end and they're like “these are my people” and it feels like home to them, and that's really important and it's allowing them to get out what they are bottling up. There was a young girl and she lived with her aunt away from her mom and she came to us not really knowing who she was. We ended up doing a green campaign where we made murals. We made that student the lead of the project and it solidified for her what she wanted to do. She was in a lost space and we helped her with grounding and finding herself. 

How has the intersection of art and storytelling helps students' mental health?

One of the students, Nadia, said to me that it's helping her to bring what's going on in real life into that character  and she can bring out what she is feeling in her characters and expound upon that. They may express things that they wouldn't normally express for themselves but they do it for the character, It's sort of like an alter ego type of thing.

How does art help to build community for the students?

By nature artists are introverts, a lot of them are shy. And so they go into themselves and we create opportunities to give back to teach them that the artwork isn't just for them but to give back to the world. It brings connections and lasting relationships. Seeing the kids grow and having them come back and give back to the community. Pass down to generations covid was very detrimental seeing how it affects the kids .

How has art helped students to excel in other areas?

We specialize in comics and it's the artwork; and the one thing about comic books that people don't understand is when you read a comic book there are different people who do every aspect of the comic. The person  who draws the character is not the same person who puts the words inside the person who puts the words inside isn't the same person who designs the bubbles that the words are in or the colors and the stories . We teach our students how to do every aspect. Storytelling is a big part of what we do and what our program is. Scaling and math learning how to tell stories, life art and there are expressions, fellowships and bonding. We teach that the arts are in everything. 

What life lessons do you integrate into art?

We teach the kids about Integrity above skill and character building through creating art. It doesn't matter how good you are at something if your character isn't good. it's more important to be truthful and reliable. We try to show them that because some type they idolize someone who isn't doing the right things and we get them to really look at why they think that person is the best and if that is something they really wanna follow after. Character building is huge for us and integrity is the most important and that word is your bond. 

INTERVIEW WITH Photographer JONATHAN BANKS

When you think of the arts and mental health what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Help. That’s the first thing that comes to mind. Artists often don’t have the resources needed to receive proper help. 

How do you use art to work through your emotions?

Photography is more about capturing other people’s emotions. However, there is something very therapeutic about picking up the camera without a plan, going for a walk, and taking pictures of the flowers, trees, buildings, bugs, or whatever catches my eye. I feel more connected to the world around me when I do that. But I also paint and play the piano to work through heavy emotions sometimes.

What is your process when you're creating your art?

My process depends on the project. But my objective is always the same: Look closely. Listen closely. Find authentic moments. Share them with the world. There’s definitely a lot of technical aspects involved in my process, but finding inspiration is the highest priority.

How do you manage your stress when it comes to producing work?

Jennifer and Darius believe that Grow-Link United will offer self-empowering opportunities. They believe “if you empower yourself; you spread it, if you feel good, you pass it on.” They want to focus on the inner energy of the individual, stating “this little light of mine – let the light shine,” and they hope to become a beacon in the community. They also hope to highlight the senior community and share how important they are to the community. They discussed how elders have information and want to give their knowledge, and that historically they started as stewards of the earth/organic farming  process – “they are natural born leaders here and they need the opportunities to spread their info,” they shared. Jennifer and Darius also discussed how they believe middle aged people are community drivers, and that communities are formed when everyone is empowered. They believe that helps the community to become self-sustaining. 

How has your art helped you in your development?

My creative journey has holistically helped me become a better person. I’m a better listener. I’m more empathetic. I’m a better resource to my friends, family, and my community. All of the ups, downs, twists, and turns experienced while pursuing my artistic calling have shaped me into a more effective human being. 

In what ways does your art help you to express yourself or establish your identity?

Art is inherently a form of self-expression. When people look at my photography, they’re seeing the world through my eyes. My photographs spark a non-verbal conversation between me and the viewer about who, what, when, where and why my subject matter is what it is.