"Transformations" Pupil work

I was exploring the theme of transformation with my P7 - S2 class today (ages 10 - 13). I used a range of stimulus images as initial discussion material, a way to inspire pupils and to open up new possibilities. We focused on everyday, common materials and how these could be used in different ways and be transformed into artworks. We discussed what makes something art as apposed to it's component materials - it was an interesting discussion. In particular we focused on the contemporary artwork from the voice thread,  "Dusasa" and "I still use Brushes" from my earlier posts and the work of Numen / For Use. Numen / For Use is a very interesting artist / designer who often uses sellotape to create giant cocoon like sculptures that are big enough and strong enough to support people crawling through them.

I also used a range of other artworks / images that use everyday materials such as paper, card and fabric. I have gathered these images over a number of years so I do not have specific references for each. I have photographed a few so you can get an idea of the other stimulus images used in the lesson:

After discussion of the task, we decided that artworks should use materials transformationally by using them in an imaginative way to create something entirely new but that they could be 2D or 3D, abstract or representational and could use a range of found materials from inside the classroom or from the playground outside.

Pupils were highly motivated and there were some very original ideas. Many pupils were led and inspired by the materials that they found and these directed their work in an exploratory, playful way.

Here are some of the finished artworks / works in progress:

This is created from coloured pencils and portions of old footballs that were found in the playground:

This was created by folding common sugar paper into beautiful origami shapes. The pupil has also added leaves from the playground:

An interesting work created from art straws and leaves:

This was made by covering the protective card corners that come on IKEA picture frames with coloured matchsticks. When it is dry the pupil intends to thread the sections together and hang it vertically on the wall:

This is entirely made from cut / torn paper and art straws:

Wooden lollipop sticks, art straws, leaves and tree bark make up this grid construction:

This vase is made of smashed wall tiles, tree bark, flowers and paper:

REFERENCES:

1. Dorotic, I., 2010. Cocooned Structures. [online] Available at: <http://comeandcheck.it/design/cocooned-structures/> [Accessed April 2012].

2. Numen / For use, 2012. Numen. [online] Available at: <http://www.numen.eu/home/news/> [Accessed April 2012].

3. Sutton Lane, 2012. Camilla Low. [online] Available at: <http://www.suttonlane.com/artist.php?a=cl&p=home> [Accessed April 2012].

4. Modern Art, 2012. Karla Black. [online] Available at: <http://www.modernart.net/view.html?id=1,3,508> [Accessed April 2012].

5. Hamilton, A., 2012. Anthea Hamilton. [online] Available at: <http://antheahamilton.com/> [Accessed April 2012].

I took photogaphs of 'Dusasa' and 'I still use Brushes' while in the MOMA in NYC and the basic information noted above was copied whilst there. It can also be accessed online at http://www.moma.org/m#art_main  by searching the collection with the painting title.


You can also access my blog posts  about these works here:

http://jenga135.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/i-still-use-brushes.html
http://jenga135.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/dusasa.html