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American Icons
Project Description
American history and culture is absolutely full of amazing, inspiring characters, places and events. These people, places and things are the icons that represent our shared culture. In this project, you will create a photographic self-portrait that highlights the relationship you have with an American Icon. You will also write a well-researched reflective artist's statement in which you explore your place in a continuum of Icons.
Photography
You will print a high quality 8 by 10 inch vertical black & white self-portrait in which you artistically display your relationship with your American Icon. Be creative—use props, costumes, camera settings, photo-editing software, lighting, or anything else to show your connection with your Icon.
Writing
You will produce a highly polished piece of reflective writing in which you describe your place in a continuum of American Icons.
To truly describe your place among Icons, you will reflect upon the influences of more than just one person, place or thing. The Icon that you chose will be connected to others in many ways. Remember, you are writing about your place among Icons.
Your writing must fit on one side of one piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper. You must use 1-inch margins and size 12 Adobe Caslon Pro font, single-spaced. Why Caslon, you ask? Because it is beautiful (and it was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite font).
What or whom can you pick?
Everyone in the class will choose a different American Icon. Your Icon does not need to be completely 100% from the U.S.A. They must have a connection to America, perhaps by influencing aspects of American culture. Remember, you may pick a place, an event, a thing, a person or a group.
How do I choose an Icon?
We are going to start with rough drafts and images of four American Icons. Be flexible, open-minded, and prepared to change your mind! A panel of students and your teacher must approve your Icon before you complete your photo or artist’s statement.
Grades
You will earn your grade by creating drafts and participating in reflections and critiques of your work and that of your classmates in a timely and productive manner.
Important Dates
Please also see my calendar.
August 26, 2013—Begin project & assign groups.
August 27, 2013—Four possible Icons & preliminary research due in class.
August 28, 2013—Propose & approve individual Icons. Begin research for Artist’s Statements.
August 29, 2013—Understanding a continuum: sources & research.
August 30, 2013—Two related Icons & resources due in class. Self Portrait Photography: examples, techniques and more.
Sept. 3, 2013—Establishing a continuum visually and in print. Pitch photo ideas.
Sept. 4, 2013—Professional examples. Understanding expectations for quality. First complete draft of Artists' Statements due.
Sept. 5, 2013—In class critique of Artists' Statements.
Sept. 6, 2013—Revised Artist Statements due in class!
Sept. 9, 2013—Icons Photo Critique
Sept. 10, 2013—Artist Statement read-alouds
Sept. 11, 2013—Icons Photography is DUE!
Sept. 12, 2013—Final critique of all Artists' Statements
Sept. 13, 2013—American Icons Project is DUE! Turn in a print out of your Exhibition Copy of your Artist’s Statement (You already turned in your photo yesterday).
Sept. 16, 2013—Set up Icons Exhibitions
Sept. 17, 2013—Icons Exhibition in the Commons & online. Exhibition reflection & critique. Email this link to two of the following: a parent, another teacher, someone who’s opinion you respect, etc. Cc me to get full credit for this.
Sept. 18, 2013—Last minute revisions.
Sept. 19, 2013—Turn in all Iconic work for layout & design.
Sept. 20, 2013—Project reflection.
*There will be more critiques, drafts and related assignments in the course of developing a truly high quality photograph and artist’s statement.
Helpful Links
An Example Project by Chandler Hood
Interesting American Portraits
Square America: Snapshots & portraits by everyday Americans from the 1890's to the 1970's
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