Hand Painted Paper Collage

Grades level 9-12

My hope in this assignment is to learn about my student as well as have them learn a little about themselves and each other. Through-out the semester I will be teaching the students how to critique art using “A Practical Guide to Supplement the Teaching of Secondary Art Methods” by: Laurel Lampela, a work book for art teachers. In this lesson students will first learn about collage and watch two short Youtube videos “The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Book Trailer” and “Amazing Collage Art by Derek Gores” Students will use Eric Carle’s technique to make hand painted papers which will become their pallet for their collages. Their collage will show an important time in their life. I choose the two videos to show how to make collage and why some artist’s make collage. I want students to see that collage isn’t just for younger children but that it can be deep and meaningful. Then when the collage is complete the student would write an artist statement about their piece and complete a critique for two other students. I don’t think the videos will pose any problems for students but critiquing may be difficult as it is a new type of writing, but a worksheet will walk them through the first few critiques. My hope is that providing visual and verbal “text” will help students that may need a visual or verbal boost. With the mix of creating and critiquing students will be able to see themselves as both artists and art critics. With the lesson left open the text are left open to interpretation. 

Sources:

HooplaHa. (n.d.). Amazing Collage Art by Derek Gores. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcxzeACY8JM

Kids, S. (n.d.). The Very Hungry Caterpillar-Book Trailer. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WELWxC0oQDY

Activity 1. Artist Statement

What is an artist statement?
An artist statement is a general introduction of your work as an artist. It is the what, how, and why of your work, from your own perspective. It helps you convey the deeper meaning or purpose of your work to the audience. The artist statement should be about you, not about the viewer. It should explain what YOU think about your work, not about how the viewer should interpret it.

Why you need an artist statement
An artist statement lets you convey the reasoning behind your work-- why you chose a particular subject matter, why you work in a certain medium. And further, a well-written statement shows the relationship of you to your artwork, and helps creates a connection with the viewer that will make your work more memorable.

An artist statement can:

• Clarify your own ideas about your work.
• Describe your work, in your own words.
• Be a base for a proposal for an exhibition or project.
• Fill a requirement for scholarships, grants/funding, teaching positions, or admission to school.
• Be a good source of info for art reviewers, journalists, reporters, etc.
• Introduce your work to the buying public.

How to write an artist statement 
Writing an artist statement is a chore for most artists. Following these steps will make it easier for you to decide what to write and how to write it.

Artist statement content

1. Ask yourself questions about your work:
   Why have I created the work and what is its history?
   What was my overall vision-- what am I trying to say in the work?
   How does my current work relate to my previous work?
   What influences my work?
   What is my inspiration for my piece?
   How does this work fit into a series or larger body of work?
2. Create a list of words and phrases that describe your chosen themes, your artistic values, creation process, and influences (i.e. experiences, dreams). Draw from your answers from the previous step.
3. Edit down your list of words and begin creating sentences using those words.
4. Combine the sentences into logical, flowing paragraphs.

Start writing:

1. Begin with an overview paragraph that makes a clear and concise statement about your work, and support that statement with your reasoning. This paragraph should be broad in scope. Specifics will come next.
2. Next, go into detail about how the issues or ideas mentioned in your opening paragraph are presented in your work (offer a specific example) and why you use the materials and tools that you do.
3. Point out themes in your work or discuss experiences that have influenced your work.
4. Finally, sum up the most important points made throughout previous paragraphs.

Activity  2. Student Critique (Describe, Analyze, and Interpret)

1.      What stands out the most when you first see it?

2.      Explain the reason you notice what you mention in number 1?

3.      As you keep looking, what else seems important?

4.      Why does what you mention in number 3 seem important?

5.      How has contrast been used?

6.      What leads your eye around from place to place?

7.      What tells you about the style used by this artist?

8.      What seems to be hiding in this composition?

9.      Why do you think this was partially hidden?

10.  Imagine the feelings and meanings this artwork represents?

11.  What titles could you give this artwork?

12.  What other things interest you about this piece?

Activity Sources:

Artist Statement. (n.d.). Retrieved from ArtStudy.org:

http://www.artstudy.org/art-and-design-careers/artist-statement.php

Bartel, M. (n.d.). An Art Teacher's Guide to Critique Artwork. Retrieved from Goshen.edu: http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/critique1.html