Introduction to Clay Animal Tiles
Purpose:
To gain a basic understanding of how animal symbolism is used throughout two different cultures.
To create a clay animal tile based on animal symbolism.
To gain a basic understanding of color theory and use a well-defined color scheme when painting the tile.
Part A
With your table group, have a discussion about animals and symbols; brainstorm examples of animals that are used as symbols in our culture (i.e., Jaguar sports cars, Tony the Tiger, Smokey the Bear, NBC Peacock, etc.).
With your table group, make a list of as many ideas as you can. You have 5 minutes. The group with the most ideas gets a prize!
With your table group answer the following questions. One person will record. All group members should be prepared to share.
1. What do these animals symbolize? What feelings or memories do they evoke?
2. Can the animals be categorized (good/evil, anthropomorphic/animalistic, etc.)?
Part B
Visit the following web sites to help you to (1) determine the animal you will choose (for your tile) and (2) help to answer the questions below:
http://www.animaltotem.com/horoscope.html
http://www.asianartmall.com/zodiacarticle.htm
http://www.artic.edu/taoism/diag-zodiac.php
Save the answers to the questions below. You will need this for the final assessment.
1. What animal will you choose…why?
2. Compare and contrast your animal to the Native American Culture or the Chinese culture. If your animal is in one culture and not the other, find an animal that has similar characteristics to compare.
Part c
Save the planning for your final portfolio for this project.
On an 8” x 8” sheet of white paper, plan out your composition for your animal.
Your animal must touch at least 3 edges; zoom in on your animal so that you will NOT draw the animal in its entirety.
What are your ideas for pattern/texture?
On a separate piece of paper, brainstorm ideas for texture/pattern.
Part D: Plan your Tile Colors
You MUST have an easily identifiable color scheme AND an area of pattern on either your animal or the background that fits into your color scheme.
1. Plan the Color Scheme you want to use on your tile (think about what sort of mood you are going for):
Warm
Cool
Analogous
Complementary
Other?
2. What colors will you use?