Sequence and Organization of the Unit:
In this unit, students explored various means of self-discovery through multiple mediums of art. The first lesson revolved around brainstorming techniques in the drawing medium, and the student’s sketches served as a plan or map for the following lessons. The second lesson was based in a mixed media/ collage format. In this lesson students explored unique objects and materials particular to them, while using these mediums to construct a personal narrative. The third and final lesson students gathered their ideas/ findings from both previous lessons to create a three-dimensional character of themselves using symbolism and mixed media (found objects). After completing their sculpture, in an exhibition, students displayed their three-dimensional character with their mixed media narrative to create a complete scene.
he sequence of the lessons was crucial to the overall expectations of the unit, which allowed for students to expand their learning each day, as well as advance their skills. The first lesson served as an introductory lesson to the key concepts that would be introduced throughout the lesson. Emphasizing the main key concept, symbolism, students were able to use brainstorming and sketching techniques which would then serve as a foundation for their work in future lessons. They had the chance to find which symbols they wanted to emphasize in their work as well as undergo any decision making that is involved in brainstorming and sketching ideas. The second lesson branched off of lesson one’s emphasize of symbolism, where students used the symbols they created in lesson 1, however, they expanded their art skills by creating a mixed media artwork. Still emphasizing symbolism and representative artwork, the second lesson was more extensive in that students were now incorporating more art materials in their work, which then resulted in learning the means of mixed media art as a whole. In this, students artwork was more detailed and refined, they created more concrete imagery. The third, and final, lesson was yet again a continuation of the emphasis on symbolism, however taking a three-dimensional/sculptural approach. Using their finalized symbols that they created in lesson 2, students were required to translate those ideas and characteristics of their two-dimensional artworks in creating a three-dimensional creature. The creature would then be created out of found object materials and/or clay. Students incorporated materials that matched their symbolism. For example, a student who created a more technological themed mixed media work then created a creature using materials that are associated with mechanics and technology (gears, metal, etc.)
In this unit, students explored various means of self-discovery through multiple mediums of art. The first lesson revolved around brainstorming techniques in the drawing medium, and the student’s sketches served as a plan or map for the following lessons. The second lesson was based in a mixed media/ collage format. In this lesson students explored unique objects and materials particular to them, while using these mediums to construct a personal narrative. The third and final lesson students gathered their ideas/ findings from both previous lessons to create a three-dimensional character of themselves using symbolism and mixed media (found objects). After completing their sculpture, in an exhibition, students displayed their three-dimensional character with their mixed media narrative to create a complete scene.
he sequence of the lessons was crucial to the overall expectations of the unit, which allowed for students to expand their learning each day, as well as advance their skills. The first lesson served as an introductory lesson to the key concepts that would be introduced throughout the lesson. Emphasizing the main key concept, symbolism, students were able to use brainstorming and sketching techniques which would then serve as a foundation for their work in future lessons. They had the chance to find which symbols they wanted to emphasize in their work as well as undergo any decision making that is involved in brainstorming and sketching ideas. The second lesson branched off of lesson one’s emphasize of symbolism, where students used the symbols they created in lesson 1, however, they expanded their art skills by creating a mixed media artwork. Still emphasizing symbolism and representative artwork, the second lesson was more extensive in that students were now incorporating more art materials in their work, which then resulted in learning the means of mixed media art as a whole. In this, students artwork was more detailed and refined, they created more concrete imagery. The third, and final, lesson was yet again a continuation of the emphasis on symbolism, however taking a three-dimensional/sculptural approach. Using their finalized symbols that they created in lesson 2, students were required to translate those ideas and characteristics of their two-dimensional artworks in creating a three-dimensional creature. The creature would then be created out of found object materials and/or clay. Students incorporated materials that matched their symbolism. For example, a student who created a more technological themed mixed media work then created a creature using materials that are associated with mechanics and technology (gears, metal, etc.)
UNIT LESSON PLANS
LESSON 1: “Getting Sketchy”
Students explore with the processes of sketching and generating ideas to plan/create an artwork. They further explored the term symbolism by investigating symbolic imagery that represented them. The symbolic imagery then was incorporated into their next projects “Mix It Up!” and “Building Me.” |
LESSON 2: “Mix It Up!”
Students explored the relationship between materials and meaning in this second lesson. This exploration was in the format of a mixed media artwork, using a variety of materials to symbolize and express their “stories”. Using their preliminary sketches/drawings from the first lesson, students had a foundation to further explore in creating a personal narrative. |
LESSON 3: “Building Me”
In the final lesson, students created a three-dimensional “character” using found objects that were symbolic and pertinent to their “stories”. Students expanded on the concepts of mixed media, personal narrative, and symbolism as introduced in earlier lessons. |