Lesson Reflection
Printmaking is the art of transferring impressions, patterns, textures, and shapes from one object onto the surface of another. Students are often introduced to printmaking with simple techniques such foam relief printing or collagraph printing. Hand prints (burnished by rubbing) are an easy way to incorporate the process in an elementary classroom lesson. A collagraph is a print made from a plate on which recycled materials such as various papers, foam, and textured carpet pads are glued down. This technique focuses on the surface of the objects and students had a great time experimenting with textures and patterns. Many times the printing plate is more interesting than the actual prints, and pieces of the collagraph plates are incorporated into the final group artwork. Our collagraph lesson began with a discussion on pattern and texture as it related to Tara Donovan's work. As a class, students were asked to identify the construction materials and speculate why they were chosen. We also discussed how the construction of the materials influence our reaction as viewers. The conversation was guided back to the lesson's essential questions: How can ordinary objects be inspiration for works of art? What message can art say about our environment? Many thoughtful answers were given and I was sure to let them know sometimes it can take awhile before we have an answer to such big questions. In fact, asking questions of artwork is one of most important things we can do as the audience.
The artmaking days were a success! Students loved the process of printmaking, especially the wonderful element of surprise as students pulled their prints to reveal the textures and color. One print was required for the final artwork but many students produced multiple prints. Our last day together was spent talking about our final group artwork--the mandala. We discussed historical and cultural examples of mandalas and the intentions behind their creation. We related this idea back to our own mandala as students added their artwork to the individual mandala pieces. The message of environmental stewardship will hopefully inspire many questions in all those who see pass by.
Click a photo to enlarge.
Printmaking is the art of transferring impressions, patterns, textures, and shapes from one object onto the surface of another. Students are often introduced to printmaking with simple techniques such foam relief printing or collagraph printing. Hand prints (burnished by rubbing) are an easy way to incorporate the process in an elementary classroom lesson. A collagraph is a print made from a plate on which recycled materials such as various papers, foam, and textured carpet pads are glued down. This technique focuses on the surface of the objects and students had a great time experimenting with textures and patterns. Many times the printing plate is more interesting than the actual prints, and pieces of the collagraph plates are incorporated into the final group artwork. Our collagraph lesson began with a discussion on pattern and texture as it related to Tara Donovan's work. As a class, students were asked to identify the construction materials and speculate why they were chosen. We also discussed how the construction of the materials influence our reaction as viewers. The conversation was guided back to the lesson's essential questions: How can ordinary objects be inspiration for works of art? What message can art say about our environment? Many thoughtful answers were given and I was sure to let them know sometimes it can take awhile before we have an answer to such big questions. In fact, asking questions of artwork is one of most important things we can do as the audience.
The artmaking days were a success! Students loved the process of printmaking, especially the wonderful element of surprise as students pulled their prints to reveal the textures and color. One print was required for the final artwork but many students produced multiple prints. Our last day together was spent talking about our final group artwork--the mandala. We discussed historical and cultural examples of mandalas and the intentions behind their creation. We related this idea back to our own mandala as students added their artwork to the individual mandala pieces. The message of environmental stewardship will hopefully inspire many questions in all those who see pass by.
Click a photo to enlarge.