Andrea, Sixth Sense

Used Milar, Tarletin, Black Waterbased Ink, Tape, Rives BFK, Paper, Plastic Plate for Slab, Spoon and Glue Bottle to burnish!

Andrea, Sound

Playing the Tibetan Bowls was a peaceful experience; setting the tone for the images we produced. This image was the most difficult. I wanted to cut the plate. I did not want to be rectangular. When the color was applied, I was the most uncomfortable. Not sure why, however after printing the first image, I got it. I would like to work on this more to learn how the color sequencing will result.

Andrea, Taste and Smell (Bananas)

When first starting this image. It was difficult to not to create it representational. Once the gears changed in my brain and I engaged in translation, it seemed so simple to complete. Thank you Bob for making me think visually. I was able to simplify my designs and stop working when needed...that is difficult for me.

This particular image is collaborated with Mike's plates and his designs, create subtile textures in the surface. Thanks Mike...

Image from final Critique

Here is my image from the final critique

Fri. Taste and Smell

After Thursday's day of studio, I came home thinking how much easier cutting my last block would be. We had all week to develope the images so by today we were ready to jump in and PRINT! The class has Jelled as a working group and the work just rolled off the press. Every print was beautiful and looked so professional.

The cutting of the blocks are too much for my elementary kids, and I would really have a problem giving them a cutter, but the whole block printing process is one that I can and will use in class. The kids could design the blocks in a small group and I can cut them and bring them back into class. They would be able to print and select the right colors and combination for their finished work.

Day 3: Collagraph - in color!

Our third day, inspired by the sense of hearing, began with the most amazing act of playing brass bowls from Nepal. I had never done this before and the experience was meditative. I hope I can purchase one for my classroom because I think this would really capture the interest of children.

My breakthrough today was credited to Bob. I was frustrated with the design of my plate from Day 2, because it felt too contrived. Bob suggested covering the plate except for small sections and then only working in that section. This worked so well for me. I had been intimidated by the big white plate (Twyla!) but breaking it down into smaller pieces enabled me to let go and not worry about the product. I love how my color collagraph prints turned out. Collaborating with other students forced me to further give up control of the product and allow for happy accidents.

Day 2: Collagraph

Let me just say that organizing the curriculum around the five senses was brilliant! I can see this concept being a unique was to organize my elementary art curriculum. I think it would be especially effective since young children are primarily sensorial learners. Educational philosophies, such as the Montessori method, focus exclusively on teaching students with sensorial lessons.

But I digress...Day 2 was filled with surprises, beginning with what was in our paper bags! I have done a similar lesson when I taught high school (learned it from MichelleT), the only difference is that one student had to describe it to another student and that student had to draw it. They loved it!

Creating a plate about the experience of touching the item in the bag was very creative and challenging. I liked using found materials and papers since my art budget is very tiny. :) I think this would be adaptable to elementary school now that Lindsay gave me some tips. Louise Nevelson could be a good artist to introduce since she used found objects in her art.