Product Designer and CMS parent Tony Hu presented to Ms Ripley's 5th grade classes on three separate dates. His visit kicks off a unit of study during which students will work in Design Teams to address several STEAM challenges from the lens of a designer. Mr Hu brought drawings, prototypes, and finished products as examples of his own work to illustrate the complex process of product design, teaching us about all of the people involved in the lifetime of a product, from industrial designers to graphic designers, factory workers to focus groups. We are so lucky to have such a creative resource in our community! Thank you to Tony Hu for sharing his exciting work, helping us to make connections between art class and future careers, and inspiring us to be innovators and creative thinkers! Stay tuned for Design Team projects in the coming weeks!
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6th graders are elbow-deep in a printmaking unit that is inspired by the Chenery courtyard and contemporary Russian artist Irina Vinnik (links to external site). We explored the courtyard with digital cameras, and then brought out our paper and drawing boards for 1-2 days of observational drawing. We discussed the similarities of scientific and artistic observational drawing, most importantly that both are methods of collecting data. 6th graders are also practicing observational drawing in science class.
Next, we studied Irina Vinnik’s work and discussed how she combines observation with imagination. Students were charged with the task of transforming one or more of their sketches into a composition that included a variety of line weights, different types of lines, and pattern...but most importantly combines observation and imagination in a unique way. After creating a composition, students will tape their drawing to the styrofoam and re-draw their own lines. (For any art teachers out there, I have two tips: 1. The paper usually rips during this process - this means you’re doing it correctly! 2: Don’t use mechanical pencil - the lead will snap. It’s best to use a dull pencil or a pen) Now for printmaking! Start at the test print station, and then work through each paper-and-ink combination to make a series of prints. We are experimenting with different types of paper (smooth - rough tooth) and experimental printing techniques (ink mixing, ghost prints). So far we've printed with brown and black ink on white, brown, beige, and grey papers. Tune in next week to see more finished prints! Welcome back to school for the 2015-16 school year! It's hard to believe we've been in school for a month already. I am excited to share some photos of students at work in all grades. Check back in a few weeks for photos of finished works on display around our school building! |
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December 2015
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