Casey in Northern Ireland

2008-06-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

After volunteering my time at Nerve Center over the past three weeks, I’m convinced that Sara and I have only skimmed the surface of what the Nerve Center has to offer. Without talking to any children or working closely with any member of the Nerve Center, it’s inevitable that I feel like this.
However, I think what I have taken from the Nerve Center is exactly what this establishment was intended for. The past three weeks have consisted of constant immersion in the history of the troubles here in Northern Ireland, even when we were not in class. It’s been exhausting hearing about all of the social and political issues and becomes even more draining when middle aged men and women reveal devastating and heart-wrenching stories to us. So in contrast to these intense 7 hour days, twice a week I was able to spend my day working with Brendan at the Nerve Center. During our “field trips” we visited all of the historical monuments and landscapes of Derry that tell the history of this country. Even though I was still learning about this history, it wasn’t nearly as draining or upsetting. I especially appreciated his willingness to take us wherever we wanted, yet never push his opinions and beliefs onto us. This would have tainted our experience and first impressions so I was very grateful for this opportunity. This trip would have been pointless had we not heard the multitude of perspectives, but it’s also hard to absorb everything I’m learning and formulate my own opinions when I’m bombarded with everyone else’s thoughts The Nerve Center became a place of refuge, allowing me to sort through everything I’ve learned, and redirect these emotions into an artistic project. It seems like that was one of the biggest goals of the Nerve Center. I’m not comparing myself to children who first hand witnessed the Troubles and the death of family members, but I was able to appreciate this center more, and catch a glimpse of the opportunity it offered to children in Derry.

After reading the chapter Glow-worms by Damain Gorman from Stories in Conflict, I realized how the act of listening is perhaps the most powerful quality to possess. There are very powerful opinions and beliefs not only in Derry, but all of Northern Ireland and it’s easy to get engulfed by these personally stories of suffering and animosity. But if everyone allows this to take over, then all other voices are drowned out, and any possibility of not necessarily “forgiving and forgetting” but understanding and moving on are eliminated. So throughout this process, even if I was frustrated, annoyed, shocked, or disgusted by what I was hearing, it was absolutely no reason to write this person off. Everyone here has a story, and there’s no way that’ll I’ll even begin to understand their point of view after only spending one hour with them. This was a tough step for me to take, especially after hearing some of these stories, but I knew it was necessary. If I want to fully appreciate the situation in Northern Ireland, I need to be able to reflect on everyone I’ve encountered, and the only way to reflect is by listening to everything everyone was willing to say.

My engagement in the Nerve Center offered a place where I was able to combine all the facts I’d learned over the past three weeks with my personal opinions. This building was established specifically for the youth to come and experiment with arts, animation, music, and film in order to arrange their feelings and step back from the brutal reality of what they were experiencing.

For only being here for three weeks, I’m impressed that I was even able to learn and grasp as much as I did. We learned not only the entire history of Northern Ireland, but their current situation and their future goals. I know it is only the surface of Northern Ireland, but it’s more than I knew coming in. I’m sure even if I spent a lifetime here, it would be impossible to fully comprehend the intricacy of this country.
So although I began my placement at the Nerve Center as a tourist, I think I ended my time here experiencing at least a small fraction of what the children involved with the Nerve Center experience. It’s odd, I assumed coming here I would be analyzing and understanding the Nerve Center as an institution and the people in charge. But it immediately become clear to me why this center was set up, and why the people that work here do what they do. |So instead, I experienced what every other kid experiences when they participate in what the center has to offer. I think it’s very unique that I was able to first hand experience the goals and intentions of this establishment. I don’t think many other students will be able to say the same about their field placements.

Actions speak louder than words

2008-06-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday at the Nerve Center was spent in our windowless editing station working on our film. Needless to say we didn’t encounter anything new or shocking, but instead we were given a chance to sort through all of our thoughts and the hours of video footage. Ironically, instead of experiencing anything new, we relived our first impressions of Derry as we watched, cropped, and edited these clips. Even two weeks later, I was moved and inspired by all the landscapes, art, and people we captured on tape. However, it was not as shocking and inevitably didn’t arouse the exact feelings of amazement and bewilderment I experienced when I was first exposed to these images. I didn’t expect to experience déjà vu, but the lack of emotional connection altered our approach to making this project. When I stand on the lush green grass of An Grianan for the first time, every inch of my body is flooded with unique feelings and emotions and I’m overwhelmed with ideas of how to portray that exact moment in a video.
Unfortunately, when I sit down to edit that same footage two and a half weeks later those intense feelings have vanished. Because of this inevitable change, I’m forced to approach this project from a different perspective, yet still attempt to recreate those moments. This created quite a predicament for Sara and I.

This trapped feeling then brought me back to the importance of the quote “Think creative”. This quote has come to mind numerous times since I caught a glimpse of it in Dublin and later analyzed it to the core. First of all, as the days continue to pass and we are exposed to more political figures, intellectuals, and citizens, I’m becoming increasingly irritated with the lack of action here. That may sound like an absurd statement, but my general frustration towards politics in Northern Ireland is the fact that they spend endless hours discussing the situation of Northern Ireland, but doing nothing about it. Obviously these individuals are intelligent and hardworking people, they wouldn’t be in these positions if they weren’t, however their stagnant condition doesn’t demonstrate this. The seven hours spent at Stormont today aroused this frustration I have with politics. We were exposed to all ends of the political spectrum, including Sinn Fein, UUP, PUP, SDLP, DUB, and the Alliance Party. Averaging between an hour and an hour and a half listening and questioning these members, their personal opinions and standpoints were made very clear.

After the past two and a half weeks we’ve been studying in Northern Ireland, it was quite disappointing hearing some of these points of view. I arrived in Northern Ireland expecting to see elements of this conflict everywhere, but after the first week I was surprised by how relatively calm it was. Although we’d heard opinions from individuals of both sides of the conflict during tours and lectures, I was still convinced that they were moving in the right direction. I guess it seemed as though people were indeed “thinking creatively”. However, after today I felt as though I’d been fooled this whole time. What was even more disheartening was the realization that if these are the people that have the ability to make a difference, yet refuse to make any compromise, then achieving peace in Northern Ireland is impossible. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I will respect this, however, I do not respect these powerful figures that have the future of Northern Ireland in their hands, wasting their time reiterating their beliefs and their opposition to one another. I think enough time has been wasted here in Northern Ireland and it’s time for a change.

Another issue that added to this frustration, which was perhaps goes back to the original intention of “think creative” was the fact that out of the seven speakers we heard today, only two of them were woman, and beyond that only ONE of them was of different ethnicity. It was not surprising that the only party with an Asian woman as their representative was the Alliance Party. And out of the five other parties that spoke to us today, Alliance Party representative Anna Lo was the only one I found not only found interesting, but agreed with and supported. Their main goal was to erase this barrier separating the two conflicting groups. It sounds so simple, and in fact, it is that simple. This should be the only goal on every politicians mind. Not only did she represent “creativity”, but also demonstrated what can happen by incorporating creativity into politics. This was the only political party that introduced a plan of action to bring about change in Northern Ireland, referred to as “Cohesion Sharing and Integration”. It was refreshing, and although this party was established almost forty years ago, I felt inspired and saw hope for the future of Northern Ireland.

I think my personal dislike towards politics involves this fact that creativity doesn’t yet exist. Right now, especially in Northern Ireland, it’s all very black and white. Personally, I believe that creativity is essential in every aspect of life. Not necessarily to the same degree, but this mindset is the only way change will come about.
So after the “Think creative” quote popped into my head at the Nerve Center, we knew what to do. Although our final product will be no masterpiece and will reflect not only our amateur experience as videographers but also the struggle, confusion, and emotions built up throughout the trip, it will also reflect the challenges we have all overcome since being here. One huge aspect of this trip I will take away with me is this reminder of how truly important creativity is. Although I no longer possess the initial emotions I felt throughout this trip, our final product does not need to be held back by this. Our film will reflect our experience and how we feel in the moment. If we sit around and attempt to imitate the past and let this prevent us from seeing our experience from any other perspective, then the final product will reflect this and ultimately take us farther away from our goal.

Think Creative

2008-06-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday our class traveled to Dublin, Ireland. Aside from the political signs posted everywhere, our few hours spent there felt similar to other cities I’ve been to in the United States. But compared to Derry, which is only four hours away, it felt completely different. It was sophisticated, crowded, and enthusiastic. The atmosphere, people, shops, and art were all different. In Derry, I’m used to statues demonstrating the struggles of Northern Ireland and endless walls of murals full of violence. In contrast, Dublin had street performers who posed as statues, and suddenly began to sing, dance, and perform when you walked by. Their costumes were intricate, glamorous, and lacked any meaning or purpose besides amusement. They were entertaining and the lightheartedness was a refreshing change from the “serious” art I’ve grown accustomed to in Derry.

The diversity of people in Dublin also caught me off guard. Up until now, I didn’t realize what a “confined” city Derry was. But I suppose this is a universal contrast between small cities and big ones, this diversity and uniqueness enhances the fascination and obsession with large cities. At one point we were on our bus and passed by a wall with graffiti on it. It said, “Think creatively, then vote no!”

This was, of course, in relation to the political campaign. I’m used to seeing graffiti everywhere so this isn’t what intrigued me, but compared to all the political signs I’d seen that day, I thought it was a very unique way of dealing with politics. Typically, the propaganda of politics consist of signs full of statistics and catchy slogans.

This however, was simple black spray paint stating a simple thought. In a frenzy to snap a picture of the wall, one of the shots cut off the end of the phrase so that it just said, “Think creative”. It wasn’t until I uploaded these pictures and set this one as my background did I start to realize how “telling” this quote was of Northern Ireland.

During our lecture with Quintin Oliver the following Monday, he asked what role we thought art played in Northern Ireland. Immediately, images from the past two weeks of the Nerve Center, the Playhouse, Belfast Exposed, and the murals bombarded my head. In a way, it was such a simple question… “What is the role of art?” I think my field placement has involved me more artistically than other students on this trip, but I still wasn’t fully able to grasp this question or formulate a reasonable answer. The enthusiastic answers by other students were all correct and exactly what I wanted to say, but even after we exhausted this question it still felt open ended and I was troubled by the fact that I couldn’t formulate an answer. Before we left for this trip I was fascinated by what I knew of the art culture here, especially from my group project on the murals. These murals, however, are a very small part of the art culture here.

So I wondered, is art just another form of expression here, like it is everywhere else? But the amount, intensity, and constant display of art made me think there is more to it than that. So then, is it an alternative way of dealing with the troubles besides resorting to violence and alcohol? The centers and programs available especially for youth seem to suggest this option. But then I realized that it’s impossible to create art purely out of ugliness and hatred. If this were the case, every product would directly reflect these feelings and that is not the case here. Personally, I believe that Art is formulated by some form of inspiration. Whether it is poetry, music, dance, paintings, or sculpture, all of these require inspiration. So this analysis must mean that the art in Northern Ireland is influenced by the reality of the past but it is successful due to the hope that rests in the future of Northern Ireland.

But this answer still doesn’t satisfy me. Everything that was suggested in that session, and everything I just reasoned through are all correct, but I don’t think any of these truly explain the role of art here.
So I came back to this image of the graffiti: “Think creative”. And I finally realized that perhaps there is no deep, dark, and complicated meaning or reasoning for the art that exists in Northern Ireland. Perhaps, the role that art plays in Northern Ireland is the way it creates and encourages this “artistic” mindset. If individuals possess this alternative point of view that is necessary in producing art, then it will inevitably open the minds of everyone. Perhaps it’s as simple as what this graffiti says: In order to make a change or a difference, you must first change the way you think about it. It’s incredibly simple to paint, take pictures or vote for a political candidate. In the same way that you don’t have to be educated to vote, creativity is not essential to be an artist, anyone can do it. But if one truly wants to make a difference, change the world, or create a piece of artwork that is utterly unique, then this is where creativity is necessary. This is the importance of art in Northern Ireland. It’s neither about the process nor the final product, but they way one approaches it all. It’s about being creative, innovative, and open minded. Art work is overwhelming in Northern Ireland and it seems as though there are many venues that support this process which is absolutely fantastic, but I think the underlying point of having art in Ireland is to spread this innovative way of thinking that is required to produce a one of a kind piece of art. Then perhaps, if this perspective is prevalent enough in Northern Ireland and the ability to think and reason creatively is engraved within everyone, then a change will actually take place here. This is what I think art is about, not only in Northern Ireland, but everywhere. And it seems to me that the role that art plays in Northern Ireland may eventually be influential enough to bring about not only peace but also unity.

Innocence is Ignorance

2008-06-01T12:58:00.001-07:00

Arriving for my fourth field placement at the Nerve Center, I approached the day with my new perspective and appreciation for this center. Still intrigued by the previous day and the profound impact they have on the members of their community, I wanted to do something other then film the scenery of Derry. Unfortunately Brendan is not in the position to involve us in many other aspects of the Nerve Center besides filmmaking and production. I do however, admire his filming techniques so instead of filming scenery, Sara and I made a plan to meet Chrissy and Jameson at their field placement; The Playhouse.

The Playhouse consists of two theaters, an outreach arts program for children, a dance studio, and a gallery. I’m still fascinated and slightly envious of the amount of artistic opportunities available to the community of Derry. Considering the violent history, their persistence to keep not only art available in the community, but the opportunity of creating art is absolutely astonishing to me. The murals, the Verbal Arts Center, the Nerve Center, the Playhouse, and the museums are only a few of the endless opportunities here. After speaking to the Bogside artists,the importance of creating art has allowed them to depict their history in a creative and cathartic way and allow them to literally paint a future of hope.

(Peace Mural by the Bogside Artists)

On the previous Wednesday, one of our lecturers was by Pauline Ross who is the director of The Playhouse. Her personal story, involvement, and ambition about establishing the Playhouse with only £300, was beyond impressive and intrigued me to learn more. It seemed impossible that the two students volunteering at The Playhouse wouldn’t have stories, opinions, and interesting facts to share with us after their four days at the Playhouse and involvement with Pauline.

After receiving complements on my Blog from fellow BUNI-ers, I realized that it was important for me to learn about everyone else’s placements. Since their field notes aren’t placed on the world wide web, conducting interviews documenting their experiences, reactions, and involvement with their placements will allow for this insight. I’ve gotten the feeling that the anticipation of everyone’s field placements caused expectations to be very high. When not everyone experienced provoking, fascinating, and unexpected situations, this seems to have caused some disappointment. Myself included. However, I’ve come to realize that whether our field placements consist of working in a gallery, writing an article, or cutting and pasting flyers, everyone has received more experience and immersion in Irish culture than we realize. One student is working at a local journal where she is writing newspaper articles. Little did she realize that the article she wrote would be placed in the local paper along with her picture. So the attention and interactions she has with community members when they recognize her is a truly unique experience.
After talking with Jameson and Chrissy and sensing a somewhat “bored” attitude with their involvement in the center, I expected a very low-key atmosphere. Well, I had the exact opposite reaction to the Playhouse, and was flabbergasted when I walked into the building. After two weeks I’m still shocked and impressed by the architecture that overwhelms Derry, and this building was no exception, it was absolutely stunning.

(The Playhouse)

(St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry)

After a tour of their hectic cubicles, we were led into the gallery. At first glimpse, this room appears to be nothing but a plain empty room decorated only with the echoes of our voices. However, I soon noticed some art work placed throughout this room. After filming a chair made out of matchsticks, a sculpture made out of those little umbrellas placed in tropical drinks, and a brightly decorated basket hanging off the wall I was keen to see more. Jameson took me through another room consisting of about a dozen jigsaw puzzle (which I absolutely love), and gave me a ten minute lecture on their importance. I could see the impact and excitement this had on him (even though he tried to hide it) and this verified my belief that everyone is learning more than they realize.

After about twenty minutes of simply figuring out where to set up our interview, we settled in the ballroom. I’ve spent the last year working at Bucknell videotaping interviews, so the logistics of the process were nothing new to me. However, Brendan is very meticulous with everything he does, so naturally the set-up took twice as long as I would have done it. As frustrating as it was, I stepped back and tried to absorb what I was learning from him and began asking him questions instead of rushing the process.

Their interviews were fantastic, and they looked fantastic through the lens, thanks to Brendan’s habit of being exact. The process of video taping is very ironic, and I often am told that I’m distancing myself from reality when I watch everything through a lens. To a certain extent I understand this, but from my experience I always feel like I’m exposed to a part of someone or something that can’t be seen through the naked eye. After watching their interviews, I was definitely exposed to Jameson and Chrissy’s feelings and fascination towards the Playhouse.
We lugged our gear back to the Nerve Center with constant compliments from Brendan on what a good job we did, and spent the remainder of the afternoon working on our video. After trying to explain to Brendan the humor in the opening scene of our movie, I realized we’ve already managed to “Americanize” our experience in Northern
… but maybe that is inevitable? This will make more sense once you watch the movie.
Even if the Nerve Center hasn’t exposed me to the most shocking experiences, when I step back and reflect on my day, I’m baffled at what a unique opportunity I’m participating in. I’m putting great effort forward to move away from the tourist perspective of the Nerve Center and Derry in general in order to gain as much insight and as I can. Throughout our interviews with other students and our final project, I hope to spread this appreciation to other students on the trip. Our schedule is packed full in Northern Ireland, so it’s not surprising that a lot of our emotions and experiences are quickly buried by every new encounter.

Reality Strikes

2008-05-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning our entire group went to the Nerve Center to speak with John Peto. Surprisingly, I learned more about the Nerve Center in that hour and a half than I have learned during my field placements. Although I’d already seen their promo DVD and the short film “Dance Lexi Dance”, we also watched a handful of other video clips. Through these clips, and the passionate commentary by John, I finally gained an understanding of how truly important this center is for the children of Northern Ireland. By watching the film by Girl Power, it really struck me that this center is more than a simple after school activity. Up until this point, I’ve only seen children briefly walking in and out of the center and I began to wish I had more interaction with these students. The first day Brendan showed us the classroom where students have computer sessions, but these classes were mandatory and lacked the enthusiasm that I think the majority of the children experience in this center.
I’ve come to notice about three different perspectives to this center. There is the perspective of the tourist, the youth, and the employees. My experience here has obviously been on the “tourist-y” side. Initially, my fascination revolved around their extensive video archive, the musicians they attract, and their cozy café nervosa. I’ve gained a lot of insight into Northern Ireland through my field trips with Brendan, and I appreciate the opportunity to videotape the fascinating and breathtaking scenery of Derry, however, I by spending my time doing this, I haven’t come to fully appreciate the impact that this center has on the community. This is partially my fault, and if I want to learn more about the Nerve Center and become more engaged then I just have to do it. For instance, I still have yet to ask why they are called the Nerve Center!? I was inspired after watching the film “Wasted” by this group of girls (Girl Power), and it reiterated the importance for children to become involved with issues other than violence and the troubles. As intense and “depressing” as their film was, the storyline and the realistic facts in it didn’t exactly shock me. Children all over the world deal with issues of drinking, drugs, violence, and sex as they grow up. What did shock me, however, was the importance and the impact that the process of making this film had on these girls.
First of all, the fact that they were able to step back and analyze the lifestyle of teenagers in Northern Ireland as dangerous and out of control was extremely impressive. Watching the film, it was clear that these girls were passionate, personally affected, and bitter towards these issues. Their drive and motivation to express themselves and make a difference was crystal clear after watching their film, and the fact that the Nerve Center gives them an opportunity to express their opinions in such a unique fashion is incredible. The difference between the youth culture in Northern Ireland and else where in the world seems to be that these abusive activities are consumed by the majority of teenagers here. I think typically there are other opportunities and activities available for children to engage in, and according to John, drinking by the city walls every night is the common activity. So the fact that this center is available as another option is incredible, and it made me truly appreciate this center and those who work here.
This brings me to the third perspective that I’ve noticed at the Nerve Center, which is the perspective of the employees. Obviously, their main purpose is the children, however, it seems as the center has grown, their name as a video production company is growing. “Dance Lexi Dance” was an Oscar nominated short film, which brought enormous attention not only to Derry, but also Northern Ireland in general. They are also annual hosts of the Foyle Film Festival. Through all of these activities they are able to bring in funding, which allows students to create unique and innovative films. The center has created an ongoing cycle, allowing the children to work with technology they may otherwise never see, while simultaneously maintaining a challenging and intriguing environment for those who work there. I’m extremely impressed by the speed at which this center has developed and the enormous progress it seems to be making every day.

"Come Sail Away"

2008-05-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

After spending another afternoon touring Derry in Brendan’s car, we have completed half of our field placements. This being our last chance to capture any scenic imagery for our project, we found ourselves at the Hands Across the Divide statue, An Grianan and The Craigan Cemetery. Although I have full confidence in Brendan’s driving capabilities and his experience with driving on the left side of the road, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit feeling slightly anxious this afternoon. I tried to imagine smoothly operating his gear-shift car, speeding effortlessly in and out of the round-abouts, and lighting a cigarette all at the same time. It was difficult to imagine my successful completion of all of these activities so I stopped looking out the window and occupied myself with the Panasonic video camera in my lap. It’s safe to say that Brendan has adjusted to life in Derry and goes about his day with out second thoughts.
After watching hours of footage from previous Bucknell in Northern Ireland videos, I was intrigued to see the Hands Across the Divide statue myself. Although video technology is incredible, the shaky footage of this statue from inside a rainy bus did not do it justice. For obvious reasons, I feel that this statue is one of the most successful artistic interpretations of the history, struggle, and troubles affecting Northern Ireland. If I’d never read an article, watched a film, or heard a lecture about the history of this country, it would all become clear at the first glance of this statue. Brendan’s lack of interest or perhaps sheer exhaustion of the subject was evident as he remained in his car while Sara, Cara, and myself spent 15 minutes filming this statue from every angle possible. Instead, his interest revolved around the landscapes, mountains, and natural attractions of Northern Ireland.

Throughout the day, it became obvious to me that the perspectives of “ordinary” citizens of the conflict is not as consuming as I though it was. Through simple encounters in restaurants, on the streets, in shops, and specifically with Brendan, I realized that not every single person in Northern Ireland is as strongly affected by the troubles as I was led to believe. When we were driving with Brendan in the neighborhoods this afternoon, he pulled over numerous times to ask directions from children walking home from school. I half expected the children to ignore us or at least respond with either hesitancy or aggressiveness. Nothing like this happened, and I felt as though I was in Lewisburg for a moment. The lectures that we have had over the past week have consisted of individuals who are personally picked out and have a comprehensive understanding of the events, or specific aspects of the events occurring in Northern Ireland. But we have never once pulled an “ordinary” person off the street and asked to hear their point of view on everything. I’m not saying the people I meet on the streets are ignorant to their own history, but I’ve come to realize that these issues, at least recently, are no longer a typical part of everyday life. I tried to switch positions with these individuals and imagine my interactions with someone visiting the United States. For instance, if they were specifically visiting to study the events of September 11th I would obviously have knowledge and understanding of this event, but not to the same extent as a scholar would. The perspectives of individuals, such as Brendan are interesting compared to the perspectives from lecturers and individuals who are a part of our program.

At this point, I do not feel a deep personal connection with the Nerve Center. I’m not overwhelmed by the intricacy, details, and importance of this center because the only person I’ve been interacting with is Brendan who is not employed full time at the Nerve Center. What I have come to learn and realize, which is slightly ironic, is that places such as the Nerve Center (video archive) and Belfast Exposed (photograph archive) are incapable of truly expressing the feelings, emotions, and experiences of living in these communities. Although I’ve only been here a week, the fact that we’ve gone on tours, engaged with individuals, and personally explored our surroundings, has given me insight, understanding, and a connection with this community that is impossible to attain through any form of media.

Cameras, tripods, umbrellas...oh my!

2008-05-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Technology is amazing, impressive, and utterly necessary in our contemporary lives. However, when you encounter difficulties with technology it has the ability to frustrate you beyond belief. Unfortunately, this has been our issue. Whether it is the lack of a hard drive, converter, or issues with the monitor, there has been a constant nit-picky problem with the technology. Everyone at the Nerve Center has come to assist us one way or another, and finally today, we were sitting in the 3rd editing station of the day, when we all gathered together and brainstormed how to fix the current situation. We came to a realization that there is no point in sitting behind a computer watching videos from previous trips to Northern Ireland, when Northern Ireland is literally outside the door.

When this light bulb finally went off, we immediately got a tripod, camera, and umbrella and decided to go experience our surroundings first hand. Brendon drove us around in his “stick shift” Volkswagen. Apparently they don’t call it stick shift here! We crossed the bridge into the protestant side of Derry and drove up to the highest point we could find. It was absolutely beautiful, and although it was drizzling we pulled out our camera and panned the entire city. After a close encounter with wind, umbrellas, and horses, we left this spot and continued to drive around Derry for the next few hours. At one point we were even daring enough to jump out of the car and run into the middle of the highway in order to get a shot of the Wall City statue.
Although our plan has changed numerous times about what exactly we want by the end of this field placement, the process of this experience is more enlightening than any article, book, or film I’ve watched. We’ve had numerous classes and listened to numerous lectures, but the best way to truly grasp and understand this information is by getting out there. Simply driving around and talking to Brendon has bridged this gap and allowed me to achieve full understanding of all the statistics, facts, and stories I’ve read on Northern Ireland.
Once we get our video footage on the computer (hopefully soon!) I will post clips of what we’ve been filming. This project is blurry right now, but there is no doubt that our final product will capture this incredible experience. No matter how good of a filmmaker someone is, it is impossible to truly recreate the exact feelings and emotions, but hopefully it will give you an idea of what is going on with the BUNI crew.

Up close and personal

2008-05-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I’m officially settled into my flat and adjusted to the weather here in Northern Ireland. On Tuesday I had my first placement at the Nerve Center (http://www.nerve-centre.org.uk/). The nerve center is a multimedia building that focuses on youth culture and uses film, music, and animation to bring kids together in a creative fashion. My friend Sara and I are spending every Tuesday and Thursday at this center working with our mentor Brendon.

Luckily our placement doesn’t begin until 10:00 am (everyone else has to be at theirs at 9:00 am) so Sara and I left at 9:30 in order to arrive on time. But of course, we started off in the wrong direction and it took us twice as long to get there. We were wandering around these streets, and once we noticed all the wall murals we realized this wasn’t the correct place. The day before we had a tour of Derry and we looked out over the walls of the city down onto the Bogside. So when we looked up and realized that we were supposed to be wayyyy up where the walls were, we reoriented ourselves and headed off in the correct direction. After requesting directions from about 5 people off the street we arrived at the nerve center. Arriving a mere five minutes late, we sat down at the attached Café Nervosa. They were also behind schedule and were just finishing setting up our editing stations. But of course, things still weren’t going smoothly once we realized we didn’t bring any of the hard drives with our video footage. So after frantically figuring out how to get our professor’s phone number (thanks to the good old internet) we were able to arrange for Carl to bring our hard drive to us.

While we were waiting we sat in their mini theater and watched the Nerve Center promo, an Oscar nominated short film called “Dance Lexi Dance”, and a horror film called “Hysteria” which was created by the students. These films increased our excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. Unfortunately a majority of the day was spent organizing and tending to technical difficulties. We left the center exhausted but prepared for Thursday’s visit.

Four days!!!

2008-05-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday afternoon, I'm at work in the Bertrand Library at Bucknell University, and all I can think about is Northern Ireland!! It's hard for me to grasp the concept that next Monday, instead of waking up and going to work in the LBG, I'll wake up, step off an airplane, and find myself in Belfast, Ireland! I've never been out of the country before (other than Canada), so this is kind of a big deal. I have no idea what to expect other than rain and murals, but that's the great part about this trip! Everything is completely unknown and I'll be exploring it with about 20 other students who feel exactly the same way. I'll have a video camera attached to my hand every step of the way, so keep your eyes peeled for some up close and personal footage of this beautiful country!