Sign Language Interpreter. Stitched
words: Communicating with the deaf. Xylene photo transfer on tea-stained
muslin. Hand stitched. 25" x 19" unframed; 31" x 25"
framed. Click on image to enlarge.
The ability to express oneself, to communicate, is at the core of artistic expression. It is also a most basic human need. Most of us simply speak in order to relay our thoughts to others. Yet, talking relies on listening. Not everyone can hear.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing generally learn sign language. They learn to read lips too.... but that requires face-to-face interaction. What happens in a crowd? At a meeting? At the theater? Well, Charlotte Toothman can tell you...in two different languages...spoken and as a sign language interpreter. She learned to communicate with the deaf. She learned to listen for those who cannot hear and to translate oral words into a language of understanding.
The ability to express oneself, to communicate, is at the core of artistic expression. It is also a most basic human need. Most of us simply speak in order to relay our thoughts to others. Yet, talking relies on listening. Not everyone can hear.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing generally learn sign language. They learn to read lips too.... but that requires face-to-face interaction. What happens in a crowd? At a meeting? At the theater? Well, Charlotte Toothman can tell you...in two different languages...spoken and as a sign language interpreter. She learned to communicate with the deaf. She learned to listen for those who cannot hear and to translate oral words into a language of understanding.
Charlotte is also one of the co-founders of Stage Hands of
the Bay Area in California. Stage Hands utilizes a team approach to interpreting
theatrical performances and is proud that their efforts allow deaf audience
members to enjoy the universality of theater, its nuances of character, its
emotional pulse, and the sheer fun of it.
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