Metal Bug Repousse

Objectives:

I can demonstrate an understanding of the basic concept of repoussé, where metal is shaped from the back to create raised, detailed designs on the surface

I will develop an understanding of basic insect anatomy and characteristics (e.g., head, thorax, abdomen, legs, antennae) and incorporate these into the artwork

I will explore different ways to create texture and pattern in metal to represent different parts of the bug’s body (e.g., scales, wings, exoskeleton)

I will demonstrate an understanding of the concept of symmetry and balance in nature and apply it to the design of the insect

I will demonstrate knowledge of how to use repoussé tools (such as embossing styluses, pencils, or modeling tools) safely and effectively to shape and define the metal sheet

I will demonstrate the ability to use shading techniques to create the illusion of depth by pressing the metal at varying levels to make certain parts of the design pop

I will demonstrate personal creativity by adding personalized details, such as patterns, textures, or imaginative features, to the bug design

Vocabulary:

Burnishing- A technique of polishing or rubbing the surface of metal to create a smooth, shiny finish.

Embossing- The process of pressing or stamping a design into a material to create a raised effect on the surface.

Relief- A sculptural technique where elements of a design stand out from the background surface.

Repousse- A metalworking technique where metal is shaped or embossed from the back to create a raised design on the front.

Stylus- A pointed tool used to press into a material, such as metal foil, to create designs.

Symmetry- A balanced and identical arrangement of elements on opposite sides of a central axis.

Texture- The surface quality of a material, either real (tactile) or implied (visual), which can be smooth, rough, bumpy, or patterned.

Tooling- The act of using a tool to shape or decorate a material, such as metal, by pressing or engraving.

Website Review Assignment: Please complete and submit

These objectives ensure that the Metal Bug Repoussé project helps students meet both creative and critical thinking standards while developing artistic techniques and understanding connections between art and other areas of study, particularly science.

Metal Bug Repousse 1.webm

Metal Bug Repousse 4.webm

Metal Bug Repousse 2.webm

Metal Bug Repousse 5.webm

Metal Bug Repousse 3.webm

National and Wisconsin State Art Standards met with this unit:

National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) Alignment

Creating

Objective: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .1.5 - Combine ideas to generate an innovative idea for art-making.
- Application: Students will brainstorm and sketch insect designs based on their knowledge of insect anatomy and personal creativity, preparing their idea for a repoussé work.
Objective: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .1.5 - Experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice.
- Application: Students will experiment with different texturing techniques using repoussé tools to emboss the metal, exploring how pressure and tool choice impact texture.
Objective: Refine and complete artistic work.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .1.5 - Create artwork that reflects refining an idea.
- Application: Students will refine their designs by adding details and adjustments after initial embossing, ensuring the final work is well-crafted and complete.

Presenting

Objective: Convey meaning through the presentation of artwork.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .1.5 - Develop a logical argument for the safe and effective use of materials.
- Application: Students will demonstrate proper and safe use of repoussé tools, explaining how they used various techniques to create a metal artwork that effectively represents an insect.

Responding

Objective: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .2.5 - Identify and analyze cultural associations suggested by visual imagery.
- Application: Students will analyze how insects are represented in art and culture, considering how their own repoussé work reflects both biological accuracy and creative expression.

Connecting

Objective: Relate artistic ideas and work with societal, cultural, and historical context.
- NCAS Standard: VA
  .1.5 - Identify how art is used to inform or change beliefs, values, or behaviors of an individual or society.
- Application: Students will explore how repoussé and metalwork have been used historically in various cultures, discussing how these techniques can convey meaning in art.

Wisconsin Art Standards (WAS) Alignment

Artistic Processes: Create

Objective: Explore and create work that reflects ideas and feelings.
- WAS Standard: Art.Cr1.a.5 - Generate ideas that reflect personal, societal, or global themes.
- Application: Students will design an insect using repoussé techniques, reflecting on the idea of nature, environment, or personal interest in insects.
Objective: Refine art techniques.
- WAS Standard: Art.Cr3.a.5 - Improve the craftsmanship of art pieces through the use of tools and materials.
- Application: Students will improve their repoussé metalworking skills through practice and revision, refining details in their designs.

Artistic Processes: Respond

Objective: Analyze and evaluate art techniques and intent.
- WAS Standard: Art.Re7.a.5 - Evaluate how art expresses ideas and communicates meaning.
- Application: During class critiques, students will discuss how their insect designs communicate different textures, shapes, and forms.

Artistic Processes: Connect

Objective: Understand connections between art and other disciplines.
- WAS Standard: Art.Cn1.a.5 - Identify how art connects with other subjects, such as science and nature.
- Application: Students will discuss how the study of insect anatomy (science) informed their artistic designs and how the artistic technique of repoussé connects to historical craftsmanship in metalworking.

Artistic Processes: Present

Objective: Present and reflect on completed work.
- WAS Standard: Art.Pr6.a.5 - Exhibit art and discuss the meaning and techniques behind the work.
- Application: Students will present their metal bug repoussé pieces to the class, explaining their design choices, tools used, and what they learned about metalworking and insect structure.

Page updated

Report abuse