Principles and Elements Book Mod

For my book modification, I combined the postmodern principle of recontextualization with the elements of design provided in the activity.  The first part of the activity is relatively unchanged.  However, once the abstract compostion is complete, the next step is to go back and think of an imaginative way to create a new image using a new material.  A further extension is adding another post modern principle (narrative), to give the image a story by way of writing or story-telling.

Instructions:

Creating the composition:

Choose a single shape. This will bring unity to the piece. Make 3 of these. Unity is created because the same basic shape is repeated throughout the composition; Unity is often created by repetition of art elements.

Make 10 more of your chosen shape. Make these with variations of size or form. Vary the proportions of the sides of the shapes. Make some of the variations as dramatic as possible. Create contrast. Variety and interest are attained by making variations of the basic shape.

Discuss how the arrangement of shapes can create a feeling of movement and rhythm in the composition. Demonstrate possible combinations by moving cut out shapes on paper.

After experimenting with possible combinations, paste the shapes into place. Try to create a sense of movement along the long horizontal page of the accordion book.

Create emphasis by adding one to three shapes in a different color.

Create emphasis and contrast by adding a new kind of shape in the same or a different color. (You may wish to include a few of these, but be careful to maintain a sense of unity or overall style in your composition.)

Recontextualize:

Look at the composition you have created. Notice the elements of movement, unity, and contrast. What images does your abstract composition remind you of? What sort of feeling do you get when you look at your composition?

Using a new source of media (marker, pencil, paint, collage, etc.), create a new image using the abstract composition you have already completed. (This can be done page by page, or using all the unfolded pages together as a whole.)

By adding new marks and images, new meaning can be inferred from the composition.

Use your knowledge of unity and contrast to add color.

Be imaginative and fill the entire composition with color.

For even more fun...

Add a narrative component.

What sort of story could you write or tell about the image you have created?

Teacher Example:

   

Still Life Artists

While coming up with ideas for lesson plans, I found myself employing the still life as a subject matter for a class collaborative.  I know, I know, still life drawing and painting is super outdated and boring.  BUT, there are ways to make it fun and current and accessible to younger students.  So here I am researching some artists for examples, looking for a wide variety of styles and periods.

My intention for this still life activity is to create a sort of perceptual collaborative.  The students will be seated in a row, which is staggered so that each student can only see the next person's paper to their left.  The first one will be the only student who actually sees the still life.  Now, as this student begins to draw, the next one will, and so on until each student has created a drawing based on the perception of the person sitting next to them.  Pretty neat huh?  This will show a method of abstraction, as well as individuality and the effect of looking at their own style compared to others'.  So here are a few still life to give some inspiration, and you can't forget to play a Surrealist game or too first to get the creative juices flowing!


Picasso


 
Frida Kahlo

Roy Lichtenstein

Vincent Van Gogh

Paul Cezanne