Day 4
In the unit plan Let’s Get Steampunk’d, the students will be doing 3 lessons which investigate drawing, planning, collage, 2D and 3D projects. It will expose them to the work of some assemblage and collage artists. The unit is focused on the idea of transformation, found object work and deconstruction/reconstruction in making art. The students will experience how to uses mechanical tools to disassemble everyday objects and reform them into a creature which means something to them. Through this process over 4 or 5 class periods, they will learn the importance of planning and contemplate the reasons artists use found objects in relationships of artistic inspiration and cultural significance.
In today’s learning experience students…were introduced to the artwork of Bill Swet and Claudio Garzon, and as a class we discussed how he used found objects to create something new. Safety around tools and the classroom were delved into, with several safety demos. They were taught how to effectively use tools to take apart household items and categorize those items to be used in a sculpture.
Essential Understanding
To take apart common household items using workshop tools, then categorize those pieces and parts to have a new purpose in their art.
Key Concepts
Planning, Found Objects, Properties when using new media, Invention, Categorize
Skills
Use workshop tools to disassemble mechanical objects; Categorize items to help inspire; Plan a piece of artwork; Explain steps of planning
Art Focus
Deconstruction, Drawing, Planning, Ideation
Literacy Focus
Identify familiar objects used in example artwork using found objects, and explain why the artist may have chosen that use for the object; Document personal discoveries while deconstructing in sketchbook.
Documentation:
Today was the beginning of a new project and many rules had to be laid down in order to create a fun and SAFE environment. Even though much of this class period dealt with abstract concepts, like transforming an object from one purpose to another, students stayed engaged in a multitude of ways.
In today’s learning experience students…were introduced to the artwork of Bill Swet and Claudio Garzon, and as a class we discussed how he used found objects to create something new. Safety around tools and the classroom were delved into, with several safety demos. They were taught how to effectively use tools to take apart household items and categorize those items to be used in a sculpture.
Essential Understanding
- Artists categorize ideas for inspiration to create art
- Artists deconstruct then reconstruct ideas and materials to create something new that allows for interpretation
To take apart common household items using workshop tools, then categorize those pieces and parts to have a new purpose in their art.
Key Concepts
Planning, Found Objects, Properties when using new media, Invention, Categorize
Skills
Use workshop tools to disassemble mechanical objects; Categorize items to help inspire; Plan a piece of artwork; Explain steps of planning
Art Focus
Deconstruction, Drawing, Planning, Ideation
Literacy Focus
Identify familiar objects used in example artwork using found objects, and explain why the artist may have chosen that use for the object; Document personal discoveries while deconstructing in sketchbook.
Documentation:
Today was the beginning of a new project and many rules had to be laid down in order to create a fun and SAFE environment. Even though much of this class period dealt with abstract concepts, like transforming an object from one purpose to another, students stayed engaged in a multitude of ways.
To get ideation, students first looked at other artists for inspiration. A slideshow depicting Bill Swet's Swetsville Zoo helped them understand how something can be made out of something else. Students identified pieces of each sculpture for what it used to be. As a group, they discussed how to think in terms of deconstruction.
We then went over the idea of art for a purpose. We talked about how some artists make statements about their art. For example, Claudio Garzon (image at the top of the page) takes trash from the ocean and builds sculptures out of them to raise awareness of how much trash goes into the ocean and how bad it is for the animals that live there. Students discussed how the art we are working on could make a statement.
We then went over the idea of art for a purpose. We talked about how some artists make statements about their art. For example, Claudio Garzon (image at the top of the page) takes trash from the ocean and builds sculptures out of them to raise awareness of how much trash goes into the ocean and how bad it is for the animals that live there. Students discussed how the art we are working on could make a statement.
After ideation, we talked about safety. Students responded well to a firm hand. Knowing that getting to do this was a great privilege that could get taken away if they aren't cautious, students paid special attention to the safety rules.
Students were then given specific jobs based on numbering off in their groups.
- # 1's began by Deconstructing, which gave students the responsibility of dissecting their object.
- # 2's were recorders, who assisted the deconstructor by recording information, drawing parts, and writing ideation about what each object could be.
- #3 and #4's had the job of a collector, meaning they went into some of the boxes laid out in the hallway and chose one piece to bring back in and write about.
Before they began, two students were chosen to help demonstrate the correct way to do the job. They put on safety gloves, held the screwdriver the correct way, and asked for help when a screw was stuck. One student handled the screwdriver, while the other wrote down the ideation about the piece they were able to get off the object. Other students were very excited because these students were taking apart a clock piece which looked very cool.
All got very excited about the process, so there was a level of controlled chaos. Some students struggled with basic concepts of how to use a screwdriver and needed more support than others. When students needed to use a hammer to get the object open, the teacher went outside with them, had them put on their safety goggles, and the teacher demonstrated the correct use of a hammer. Students were able to experiment with using the hammer under careful supervision.
All got very excited about the process, so there was a level of controlled chaos. Some students struggled with basic concepts of how to use a screwdriver and needed more support than others. When students needed to use a hammer to get the object open, the teacher went outside with them, had them put on their safety goggles, and the teacher demonstrated the correct use of a hammer. Students were able to experiment with using the hammer under careful supervision.
The students were very focused and excited. We took a stretch break to keep the energy flowing and our bodies relaxed!
The class ended all too soon, but students were able to gather all supplies neatly and orderly.
I'm sure all the students are excited to continue the project next week, when we will continue to take things apart, categorize them and give them a new purpose!
The class ended all too soon, but students were able to gather all supplies neatly and orderly.
I'm sure all the students are excited to continue the project next week, when we will continue to take things apart, categorize them and give them a new purpose!
REFLECTION
The students are off to a great start. They are building upon the ideas presented in the previous lesson with their collages, learning to plan, organize and think about what they will be trying to construct. They did a great job paying attention to the proper use of the tools and focusing on good studio practices. Following through with cleaning up and remembering to put their names on their projects. As teachers we will be excited to see how their creatures develop as we revisit the meaning behind found object artwork, ideation and aesthetic considerations in the weeks to come!
The students are off to a great start. They are building upon the ideas presented in the previous lesson with their collages, learning to plan, organize and think about what they will be trying to construct. They did a great job paying attention to the proper use of the tools and focusing on good studio practices. Following through with cleaning up and remembering to put their names on their projects. As teachers we will be excited to see how their creatures develop as we revisit the meaning behind found object artwork, ideation and aesthetic considerations in the weeks to come!