Exploration 6

Ceramic Unit

We have been exploring clay with this unit of exploration. Artists built on knowledge from years past by working with clay while learning new techniques this year! To coincide with a science unit on “sound”, artists have learned to create a working clay whistle by using the pinch pot building technique. Broken down over several classes, the artists learned the importance of structure for their whistle to make a sound. We explored how shape and size can affect the pitch of our whistles. Artists all started by creating the same whistle base and then were able to explore their creativity by sculpting their whistle into anything they desired! We have raccoons, dogs, dragons, turtles, and more. 

Planning

Building

Glazing

Exploration 5

Winter stations

Just before winter break artists participated in some fun art stations inspired by the winter season. Stations included oil pastel resist, monoprinting, origami, coffee filter tye-dye snowflakes, and open sketchbook time. Artists were encouraged to move freely through any desired station within the allotted art time. This was a great opportunity to try out some “mini” lessons and get a taste of many different artistic approaches. 

Exploration 4

Drawing exercises

We participate in many drawing exercises throughout the year. These drawing exercises focus on skills such as building creativity, problem-solving, observational, storytelling, and specific drawing skills. Drawing exercises are kept light, and experimental, it is always stressed that perfection is not the expectation, growth is!

Exploration 3

Monoprinting

Monoprinting is a form of printmaking where we use a “plate” to put paint on, create different textures, mask to develop layers, and then put the paper on top to “pull a print”. With monoprints, you get a single print for your work. You can make a “ghost” print which is a second print from your plate that is usually much lighter than your original print. You can build monoprints on top of each other getting depth in your art. Artists explored using Gelli plates for monoprinting. They tested reductive techniques with q-tips, additive with paint brushes/brayers, and also tried masking using paper-made stencils to block out the paint in certain areas. It is a fast-paced process that has a lot of variables to control or not control. The artists did a great job exploring the sometimes temperamental process of monoprinting. 

Exploration 2

Flipbooks/ Stop motion

Artists learned about the process of making a Flipbook frame by frame. They watched video examples of flipbooks to see how they function and determined when a story was successful or needed improvement. Artists then drafted out 2 stories for their flipbook and then choose their best to then create. They used light boxes to help them with layering their motions. Once all pages were made, we placed a front and back cover on and bolted them so they could easily be flipped. It was a long process but very rewarding in the end when you got to hear the room come alive with laughter and amazement as artists shared their flipbooks with one another.   

Exploration 1

Independent art days

Independent art days are opportunities for artists to participate in self-explorations of their choosing.  Some artists may curl up in a bean bag and sketch in their sketchbooks. Another may work in a group and make pompoms. While others are building with cardboard. Material options change but the day is centered around artist choice. 

Exploration 2

Assemblage Exploration

An assemblage is an artistic medium where three-dimensional elements are attached to a surface. During this exploration, 4th-grade artists learned about Argentinian artist Marta Minujin. Marta loves pattern, color, and working with mixed media. Artists created abstract designs inspired by Marta and then glued colorful straws to create the assemblage aspect of their work! Artists worked with concepts around abstraction, the use of positive and negative space, color schemes, and interpretation. As artists, it is important to not limit ourselves to typical art materials so I love to add opportunities for our artists to explore and incorporate unusual items into their art work.

3- York

Exploration 1

Pictionary- 3D clay version!

4th grade artists had a fun start to the year as we played a variation of Pictionary. This version uses plasticine clay (clay that never dries out and doesn't bake hard). We will revisit this clay later in the year to explore claymation! Artists were in teams and each team had a sculptor and guessers. The sculptor drew a word out of a can and had 2 min. to sculpt. While they sculpted, and the other artists tried to guess what the word was. There were many techniques explored some artists choose to have the clay color correctly correspond to the word while other artists tried to up the guessing challenge by using colors not normally associated with the word!!! It was so much fun to hear and see the learning happening!