This week,
I decided to volunteer more time to the FHCC. Something that I don’t mention
often in my posts is what I do with the other half of my week. Like many of my peers,
I’m unpaid, which automatically means I’m part-time. Unpaid Co-Ops are set up
this way to allow for students to get an additional, paid job outside of the
Co-Op program.
Unfortunately, I seem to be caught in the loop of “can’t get
a job with no experience, can’t get experience without a job” – and frankly,
it’s really frustrating. While I am actively searching and applying, having no
other real tasks to perform can make me a little restless. I think going into
the collection for a few more hours a week will help with that, and that is why
I’ve decided to do so.
Anyway...
Aside from the frustration I feel, it’s been a pretty great
week in terms of how things are going in the Dirty Room. Earlier this week, 4
of us did some major rearranging and it’s made a world of a difference in how
much open workspace there is. It also has given us a clearer idea of how many
boxes have been gone through and how many are left. As of today, 116 boxes have
been gone through and we estimate we’re halfway done (if not slightly more). Today
alone I was able to look through 12!
Another perk of having the room rearranged is that I now
have access to two sizes of boxes. The larger boxes need to be handled by two
people, whereas the smaller boxes can be tackled by one person. There aren’t
always extra bodies available to help me out, so this has helped me immensely
in terms of being able to consistently get work done in the Dirty Room.
The Dirty Room is also a pretty
interesting place to be by yourself in. Earlier this week, I swore I heard
whispers while going through a box of - I’m not kidding - sleepwear, loungewear,
and lingerie. (I promptly propped open the door and turned on music, because it
was creepy.) It did make me stop and
think for a moment, though, about the fact that I was going through, making
notes of, and photographing someone’s rather intimate articles of clothing. How
many other people had ever seen these things? How would I feel if, years from
now, someone went through my clothes, with no real personal context? It was
then that I realized how closely I interact with the lives of other people,
despite it not being direct.
With that in mind, the variety of
things I get to look at gains more meaning. Recently we found a dress from the
1790s that is in astounding condition. The condition in of itself makes you
wonder about the person who wore it, and who they passed it down to. When you
look at things in this way, it makes you wonder why history tends to be
regarded as boring so much of the
time.
Just something to think about, I
guess.
Assorted pictures from this week:
(The 1790s dress is first!)
What is the orgin of cane, Japanese? The craftsmanship is really amazing on the gold cast dragon head especially, but the fine detailing of the shaft is just as impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe "cane" is actually the handle of a parasol. :) It's possible that it's Japanese, but it's also very possible that it's American but highly influenced by Asian art. If you know what chinoiserie is, then I guess it's sort of in that same vein.
ReplyDeleteAll of these garments are amazing! It is really interesting to think about the people that have worn all these clothes in the past. It's like that saying if walls had mouths, I can't help but wonder what if these pieces could speak, weird but interesting! I really love the shift dress so cute!
ReplyDeleteI understand it must be very frustrating, the whole loop of “can’t get a job with no experience, can’t get experience without a job”. I think that is something we all fear or struggle with at some point. But it looks like you're finding ways to get through it, and still enjoy yourself. The garments in your photos are stunning! I love all the colors and shapes, and the textures and embellishments are exquisite - such beautiful detailing. I wish I could've been there with you, going through all of them.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are really incredible! each piece is truly incredible. best wishes with the rest of your co-op!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Madelyn, getting the job you need in order to gain experience isn't attainable without prior experience. It's a vicious cycle. When I scrolled through the pictures, I thought that the dress was from 1970.... I then realized that I read it incorrectly and was shocked that the garment is in such amazing condition. That's pretty miraculous.
ReplyDeleteI have seen garments similar to these before when I visited the Philadelphia Art Museum over the summer. It's crazy how such old garments can be preserved and made to last for years!!!
ReplyDelete