Here are just a few pieces of bisque ware that the 8th graders have constructed.
We are waiting on them to dry out so we can fire them in the kiln and then glaze them.
Looks like an art room zoo!
Monday, February 25, 2013
From the Inside Out
8th graders are starting portraiture today.....but not your typical portraits. These self-portraits will represent who they are from the inside out...the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly.
Although the students did not realize it, we actually started this project several weeks ago when I gave them an assignment with the like name. Their directions were to crumple, crinkle, or fold their paper according to whether or not the had participated in various activities or actions, all of which were negative. Examples of these actions were....cheated on a test, bullied a classmate or even stood by while someone else got bullied. At first, the students found humor in the assignment, some even bragging on their "accomplishments". But as they worked down the list, they began to complain that their papers had too many wrinkles, some even ripped and torn from their honesty. A couple students did not like that their papers were becoming so wrinkled, they felt like there were bad people and wanted to start over, but they had to stick with their original paper no matter what the outcome. As they were working, one girl made the observation that this was like real life....they couldn't undo what was already done. Bingo! She got it. After we finished the activity, we took the remaining portion of the class to talk about what this activity represented. Students to could volunteer to share personal observations, thoughts, or concerns. We discussed how everyone makes mistakes and does things that they are hopefully not proud of, that it is part of our past, but that it also does not have to be a part of our future.
So today we started with a demonstration on drawing proportional portraits. Students were encouraged to find their own style when drawing their self-portraits and we even utilized their personal devices for reference. And in case you didn't figure it out, the portraits had to be drawn on those wrinkled, crumpled, and folded pieces of paper. There were lots of groans and objections because they were unable to flatten out the paper like it was before they wrinkled it....but then that was the point.
Here are a few picture of the portraits in progress....there is much work to be done...more to come later as we start adding in the positive characteristics into the artwork.
Although the students did not realize it, we actually started this project several weeks ago when I gave them an assignment with the like name. Their directions were to crumple, crinkle, or fold their paper according to whether or not the had participated in various activities or actions, all of which were negative. Examples of these actions were....cheated on a test, bullied a classmate or even stood by while someone else got bullied. At first, the students found humor in the assignment, some even bragging on their "accomplishments". But as they worked down the list, they began to complain that their papers had too many wrinkles, some even ripped and torn from their honesty. A couple students did not like that their papers were becoming so wrinkled, they felt like there were bad people and wanted to start over, but they had to stick with their original paper no matter what the outcome. As they were working, one girl made the observation that this was like real life....they couldn't undo what was already done. Bingo! She got it. After we finished the activity, we took the remaining portion of the class to talk about what this activity represented. Students to could volunteer to share personal observations, thoughts, or concerns. We discussed how everyone makes mistakes and does things that they are hopefully not proud of, that it is part of our past, but that it also does not have to be a part of our future.
So today we started with a demonstration on drawing proportional portraits. Students were encouraged to find their own style when drawing their self-portraits and we even utilized their personal devices for reference. And in case you didn't figure it out, the portraits had to be drawn on those wrinkled, crumpled, and folded pieces of paper. There were lots of groans and objections because they were unable to flatten out the paper like it was before they wrinkled it....but then that was the point.
Here are a few picture of the portraits in progress....there is much work to be done...more to come later as we start adding in the positive characteristics into the artwork.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Made a Wish...
Well I made a wish today with IPEVO Wishpool for a Ziggy USB Document Camera to use in my classroom. I am really hoping that our school gets one of these doc cameras for the art classroom. This will allow me to instruct and the doc camera will project my instruction on my whiteboard. Awesome use of technology in the art room! Keep your fingers crossed!!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
SO PROUD!!
Well this is deviating from the normal NSMS art blog, but I have to brag. Last night I had to teach a class at the Falling Rivers Gallery in Albemarle...my teaching is not what I'm bragging about. The gallery has a nice crafts show set up right now and one of my former students, Katie McCree has her fiber arts for sale in the show!!! Now I'm bragging!
Teachers can go years without seeing any hint that their students learned anything we were trying to teach them. And teaching middle school art is even more mysterious as far as knowing if the students are listening to or tuning you out. It's often a job that most students, parents, and even the community take for granted. And by choosing to teach art, my profession is more often demeaned and not taken seriously because it is not a core curriculum class. So it is overwhelmingly exciting as an art teacher to see the fruits of my labor in students who choose to continue their creativity into their adulthood. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not taking credit for teaching Katie her craft because I cannot knit, crochet or weave on any big scale. But I am so proud of Katie! And I have to hope that her elementary art experience with me played some small part in her love of art and her decision to pursue an artistic career....she is a textile designer too!
Falling Rivers Gallery has been very supportive of our arts program and is located on Main Street in Albemarle. Last year they hosted the NSMS student art show in their back gallery. I hope you will take time to drop into the gallery to see the show and look for Katie's work!
Can't wait to wear one of her designs....and I'll look forward to seeing what my current art students do with their creative spirits in the future!
Teachers can go years without seeing any hint that their students learned anything we were trying to teach them. And teaching middle school art is even more mysterious as far as knowing if the students are listening to or tuning you out. It's often a job that most students, parents, and even the community take for granted. And by choosing to teach art, my profession is more often demeaned and not taken seriously because it is not a core curriculum class. So it is overwhelmingly exciting as an art teacher to see the fruits of my labor in students who choose to continue their creativity into their adulthood. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not taking credit for teaching Katie her craft because I cannot knit, crochet or weave on any big scale. But I am so proud of Katie! And I have to hope that her elementary art experience with me played some small part in her love of art and her decision to pursue an artistic career....she is a textile designer too!
Falling Rivers Gallery has been very supportive of our arts program and is located on Main Street in Albemarle. Last year they hosted the NSMS student art show in their back gallery. I hope you will take time to drop into the gallery to see the show and look for Katie's work!
Can't wait to wear one of her designs....and I'll look forward to seeing what my current art students do with their creative spirits in the future!
Photos of Katie's display
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Oh What A Relief It Is
8th grade cardboard relief sculptures in progress.....incorporating elements of art and design.
Follow the Yellow Paint Line...Oh My!
7th graders created abstract line drawings of still life designs. They have repeated the drawings using yellow paint to create unity throughout their paintings. Watercolors are being added for fresh vibrant creations.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
From Scrap Yarn....to Scrap Monsters!
Well most people know that our schools have been hit with major budget cuts, so I am constantly looking for art projects that are fun, educational, and CHEAP! Weavings fit all those categories. Many of my student's parents, grandparents, and neighbors have donated yarn and we thank you for this continued support! We can never have too much yarn!
However, I got bored with the typical cardboard loom weaving. The kids loved these because of all the textures and colors, but the end results were sometimes boring and resembled potholders that had been through the ringer too many time. I wanted to try something a little different and I stumbled upon these wonderful little creatures and decided to give these a try. Not only were we working with the regular textile medium but we were recycling other materials and most of them are free!
After weaving on our looms, we incorporated a 3-dimensional element and stuffed (with plastic grocery bags), stitched, and decorated our plain little weavings into these adorable scrap monsters that are full of personality! Some of the students even gave them names, and many of the monsters took on the personality of their makers! I couldn't be happier with their final projects!
Enjoy and please keep sending yarn.....the kids who have not had art yet are begging to weave their own monsters!
However, I got bored with the typical cardboard loom weaving. The kids loved these because of all the textures and colors, but the end results were sometimes boring and resembled potholders that had been through the ringer too many time. I wanted to try something a little different and I stumbled upon these wonderful little creatures and decided to give these a try. Not only were we working with the regular textile medium but we were recycling other materials and most of them are free!
After weaving on our looms, we incorporated a 3-dimensional element and stuffed (with plastic grocery bags), stitched, and decorated our plain little weavings into these adorable scrap monsters that are full of personality! Some of the students even gave them names, and many of the monsters took on the personality of their makers! I couldn't be happier with their final projects!
Enjoy and please keep sending yarn.....the kids who have not had art yet are begging to weave their own monsters!
A Tree Is Nice
7th graders created trees using the elements of art and design. The end results were colorful.... geometric....and patterned drawings that the students were very proud of.
Did Someone Move My Nose?
It's looking like the 6th graders have gotten trapped in a maze of crazy carnival mirrors. After studying Picasso and his many styles and artistic ventures, the students have been creating gallery sized cubism portraits, each with varying degrees of distortion, misplacement, and abstraction. Eyes are mismatched, hair has been unnaturally dyed, and noses have been moved into some strange positions. Picasso would be so proud!
A different perspective
Laying in the Base Colors
Colorful, Creative, Confusion
Tears of Joy or Tears of Sadness?
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