ZENDALAS

I like to begin each quarter relearning the elements and principles of art.  Then we do a project that I consider a playground to experiment with the elements and principles.   

For 6th graders that playground is the Zendala project.  I enjoy this project because it is rich with cultural significance but also dashed with a contemporary twist.  The idea is they are creating a design that is symbolic of themselves.  Every choice they make is a step towards personal expression.  The first decision everyone makes is what type of balance they would like to use - radial, symmetrical, or asymmetrical.  I don't hold back that radial is a challenge for me personally, since it requires such precision; it would drive me crazy.  Although some do enjoy this challenge.  We are all different and this simple fact should be celebrated in everything we do and make. 

Comment?

Ugly Jugs

If you haven't noticed, lately, my classes have been focusing on Georgia artists.  Ugly jugs or face jugs also fall under this umbrella.  They are a southern tradition dating back to the Meader family and some would say it goes back even further to the time of slavery.  Slaves would make them after the working day was done.  Many speculate about why they are so ugly.  My research reveals many reasons but the common thread is they are made to be frightening. 

 

Fifth graders really impressed me. 

 



big bad wolf and the little piggy



okay... so the objective "ugly" was optional ... cute and quirky work too



kitty cat friends

 

Peter Loose Animals

Peter Loose is a folk artist here in Georgia.  He was not always an artist.  He once worked at a nature center ... come to think of it ... he may still, because he has a passion and love for nature.  None-the-less, he is inspired by animals. Second graders surely noticed this as they viewed his paintings.

 

I happened to notice how Peter Looses' art had a lot in common with traditional Aboriginal art.  So, we compared and contrasted these two distinct artists. 

What do you you notice?

Enjoy!



 

We "pair shared" with each other after we thought we were finished.  I asked that each pair share one thing they really liked about each other's art and offer one suggestion on how to make it even better.  The results were terrific.  They had such wonderful ideas.

Ikebanas

Last school year, I set off to learn more about Japanese art, particularly clay.  I guess I was just bored of making tea bowls with my second graders.  Now, tea bowls are wonderful and as a ceramist, I have deep respect for the tradition.  I just wanted to change it up a bit.  I stumbled upon Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging),  so I decided to explore this idea of playing with balance in how we can arrange flowers as well as what a vase can look like.

 Everyone loved making these so much last year that I decided to make them again.

Vases drying - textured slabs attached to a pinch pot base

Glazing

 

Proud moment

More happy artists



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* Be sure to look at my previous post from last year for other images.