(G1) Interpreting the work of Zhan Wang ( Part I )

I find it challenging to expose young students to contemporary 3-Dimensional works of art. 

I am always looking for artists who create large scale art work, because  students can relate easier

to the 3-Dimensional quality of these art works.

Zhan Wang is a contemporary Chinese sculptor. He creates large scale sculptural forms coated in chrome. He concentrates primarily in abstract forms, which he calls "floating stones". He often places his large sculptures outside buildings creating a surrealistic environment.  

Heavy aluminum foil was used in order to create the "Zhan Wang" sculptures.

It was rewarding to watch the excitement in the faces of students as they folded, and folded again in trying to interpret the work of Zhan Wang.

A good amount of aluminum foil was wasted before students were able to complete their artwork. 

A choice was given to either use items around the room to coat with aluminum foil, or to manipulate the foil to create an abstract composition a la Zhan Wang. 

The sculptor Zhan Wang

Artificial rock No 116  Zhan Wang

The student manipulated the foil to create the openings resembling Zhan Wang's work. 

Stainless Steel 2000  Zhan Wang

Foil was used to cover a pumpkin, a small wooden block and a large square box.

It was challenging to balance all three items to create this sculpture.

Stainless Steel 2000   Zhan Wang

Using water colors to create the reflection of the light when it hits the chrome and in this case

the foil. 

Gifts from Heaven  Zhan Wang

The student had fun stepping on the table to be able to create his Zhan Wang tower.

Using toy golf balls to create an original composition.

Scholar rock  Zhan Wang

(KG) Native American symbols on clay

For this project we looked at American Indian Pottery and discussed the beauty and

craftsmanship of the designs.

We learned that clay is highly valued, and often difficult to dig out. Much of the painting of pottery

was done by using a fiber of a Yucca leaf as a brush. The Native American artists also used carving and scrafitto. 

The students used a paper clip to carved their designs according to the scrafitto method,  and created Native American symbols on a piece of clay.

We used acrylics to complete our clay works.

Student comment: "My sun is rising in the morning".

Student comment: "I am making a girl warrior".

Student comment: " I made the sun around my mountains".

Student comment: "This is the feather of a warrior".

Student comment: " I made a strong arrow".

Student  comment: " The bear's foot prints will keep the bad people away".

Student comment: "My arrow broke in the battle".

Student comment: "I made an Indian princess with a feather on her head".

Student comment: "I made a turkey".

(G1,G2) Creating in the style of Tom Gilleon (American Indian Legends Part III)

In trying to find artists who use American Indian symbols in their art I discovered the artist Tom Gilleon.

View his work here

Tom Gilleon's grandfather had immigrated to the United States from Scotland. His grandmother, was a Cherokee and descended from a band of tribal members who refused to relocate into  a reservation in the Oklahoma Territory.

I was so impressed with the aesthetic qualities of his teepees series, that I decided to introduce his work to our students.

Here is how he describes the spark and luminosity found in his teeppees.

" My memory of the important events in my early life are set somehow in dramatic theater lighting. We lived in a little place where there was no electricity and the inside of our wooden home was lit by kerosene lanterns. I always felt drawn into the light and everything around the glow disappeared into a blur." 

Tom Gilleon

The artist Tom Gilleon

For this project the students were given two options in creating their-Tom Gilleon inspired teepee. 

1. Use American Indian symbols to decorate the teeppe.
2. Use simple lines for the teeppe and place the emphasis on the background.

Tom Gilleon

Tom Gilleon

Tom Gilleon

Tom Gilleon

Tom Gilleon