The past two years I have join the sixth grade team on their Outdoor Education field trip. Each teacher facilitates a different learning activity to engage students with their environment. Several groups of around twelve students rotated among the different activities for two days while visiting the camp. For my activity, I introduced each group to the land artist, Andy Goldsworthy. Prior to the field trip, we watched a video of Goldsworthy at work. We then looked at photographs of his finished work before attempting our own creations at the camp. (Below is the video we watched of Andy Goldsworthy creating, as well as photographs of his finished works) At the camp, we walked along a path to a large clearing surrounded by woods, prairie grass and a creek. I explained the importance of preserving the wonderful environment around us. Students were to find materials from the ground, but without pulling plants or trees apart. Although we used materials similar to Goldsworthy, students were not permitted to leave their finished structures. I asked groups to dismantle and return materials to their original locations. (Below is an image of the awesome classroom we worked in during the field trip) After the expectations were established, students were allowed to work individually or collaboratively. They collected materials, then built and arranged interesting structures in the style of Goldsworthy. Each of the students used a digital camera to document their creations. (Below are images of student work from 2013) (Below are images of student work from 2012) I had such a wonderful experience on this trip last year. As a first year teacher, this was a great opportunity for me to get to know my students. I learned from each group and I believe the trip helped all of us have a more meaningful school year.
STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR THIS YEAR'S CREATIONS!
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The sixth grade art curriculum introduces students to many historical periods, beginning with the Baroque style and concluding with American Pop Art. In the spring, students are introduced to the collage process made popular by artists such as Garth Erasmus and Robert Rauschenberg. These are two of my favorite artists, and both have influenced how I create my own work. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for these artists with students. (Pictured below are works by Garth Erasmus) Garth Erasmus, The Muse 3, 1995. Acrylic on paper (pictured right). The self-portrait collage project was inspired by this Erasmus artwork titled, The Muse 3. Students photographed one another using a digital camera, while posed against a white background. Each student cut the printed photograph in half and recreated their self-portrait using the media of his or her choice. The background for their self-portraits was to describe identity, personality or interests. Some students communicated this using text, while others used abstract shapes and colors. Each project was unique to the individual. This was one of the most successful projects for sixth grade students last year. I think the use of printed photographs with the collage process was a new, exciting experience for students. Many were motivated to create their best work of the year. I look forward to seeing how this project may change and evolve later this year with my current sixth grade students (Below are student examples of self-portrait collages) (Pictured below are works by Robert Rauschenberg) Robert Rauschenberg, Retroactive I, 1963. Oil and silkscreen ink on canvas (pictured left) For our next project, students studied the work of Robert Rauschenberg. Although we read and had a class discussion about his life and career, we focused on Retroactive I, as our inspiration. Each student was asked to brainstorm a list of images that would best represent their year as a sixth grader in 2012-2013. Just as Retroactive I embodies the American experience of 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Students chose images from popular culture and added text, drawings and color to their compositions. (Below are student examples of personal collages) I really enjoyed teaching the collage unit, and introducing Garth Erasmus and Robert Rauschenberg to each class. Many of the students chose their Erasmus-inspired self-portrait to display in our school art show. I was thrilled to see them take such pride in their work. I hope the experience will be one students remember fondly from sixth grade art class. |
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