Art Trek Explore the art of other cultures… Diversity is everywhere around us... unity is our goal.
In Art Trek students explore the cultural and historical foundation of art and techniques reflected in the world around us. With an understanding of the original intent of regional or tribal art, students will go on to create their own interpretation of those themes. Students will work with a broad range of materials and will be encouraged to incorporate their own life experiences, personal backgrounds and preferences in their artwork. Through this course of study students will gain a greater understanding of others from a cultural and historical perspective.
Native American Art As a means of self expression Dream Catchers are used as a reference for this contemporary approach to art making. Students construct the radial design in the traditional way of Native Americans. The addition of found objects represent characteristics that make each student unique. The results may be primarily decorative, expressive and / or representational.
Historical Reference to Dream Catchers Created by the Ojibwe/Annishnabe/ Chippewa Native American tribes. Tribes told many stories of spider webs - “They catch and hold everything evil as a spiders web catches and holds everything that comes into contact with it” The circular shape was used as a symbol for how the sun travels across the sky each day. Mothers would make them for their children. The traditional use of feathers represented breath or air. Four beads were used to symbolize the four directions. Dream catchers for children were not meant to last. They were traditionally made from sinew, bark, leather, feathers and woven fibers.
Japanese Brush Painting Brush Painting dates back to 4000 BC, with techniques being handed down from master to student. In contrast to what most of us are taught about art today, copying and perfection of technique was more important and more highly valued than self-expression. Brush Painting uses simple strokes of a paint brush to capture a single object or an entire scene. The art of Japanese Brush Painting is based on: - the artist’s state of mind. It is said to be mirrored in each brushstroke. It is said to capture the “life energy” of the subject, - good brush technique, - studying the subject to avoid unnecessary brush strokes, - color choices to depict the subject in an aesthetically pleasing way. Colors do not have to be the same as the subject but should enhance it. Loosely mixed colors naturally and easily create Highlights and shadows, - asymmetrical design to create more visual interest. The subjects have been taken from nature: bamboo, flowers, birds, fish, or landscapes … if a human element was added, it would be simple and would be a dominate element.
For the piece students practice first. Basic brush stroke techniques are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. A very controlled movement of the hand is used to establish the shape of the branches, blossoms and leaves. Pressure at the beginning of the brush movement and a lift at the end creates the tapered shapes that are necessary to create work. To form the structure of the branches paint is applied from the base of the painting with an upward stroke. Small branches are built off of the main one. Blossoms are added throughout the piece. By turning the painting the flowers are set in at various angles. The leaves are sets in around the blossoms, overlapping some of the branches. Titling the piece may be done vertically. Adding initials in red may be done at the bottom of The title or just to the lower left of it.
Weaving Verb: to make something by interlacing strands or strips of any material Earliest evidence dates weaving back to the Paleolithic era – Basket weaving – Fabric creation Egyptian Basket Weaving – Coiling – Twined – Plaited Looms have been found in Asia, Africa, and Europe Weaving may be used in making – Clothing – Household Furnishings – Portable Architecture
Weaving has a rich historical past. A huge investment of time and effort is necessary to use it as an art form. Fiber Arts traditionally involve: Spinning Dyeing Weaving Students thoughtfully choose colors and patterns that they find visually interesting and or expressive. Embellishment may be added to future enhance the piece.
South American Mola and Hmong Cutwork Inspired Art Students use South American mola and Hmong cutwork design as inspiration for the design and creation of these fabric pieces. Students brainstorm ideas and sketch at least 4 different options before they decide on their final subject and design.
Mythology – Aztec Tradition of the Five Suns Aztec’s considered themselves The “People of the Sun” There have been four suns, we are now in the fifth sun There must be a god or goddess that sacrifices themselves to become the new sun The sun we are in is the Four Movement ruled by Nanahuatzin
Sun images are still made today in etepec by the Nuhua Indians The demand for sun images today comes from the belief that the sun gives life and light is what makes people happy Students use the concept of the sun as a reference for their art. Their work may, however, be based on radial design verses an obvious depiction of the sun as the subject.
Mask Making Indigenous tribes from every corner of the world create masks. Students reference a wide variety of cultures as the basis of their design and approach for their work.
Bark Painting The Nahua Indians of Guerrero, Mexico transferred their skills of intricate painting on pottery to painting on paper made from the bark of trees. Bark paper, or papel amate, is produced by hand in the state of Puebla by Otomi Indians using bark from the mulberry or fig trees. The mulberry tree creates off-white paper, while the fig tree creates much darker paper. The bark is washed, boiled, and laid in lines on a wooden board. The fibers are then beaten with a stone until they fuse together. The paper finds its way to the Nahua Indians of southern Mexico who have excelled for several generations at painting bright village and wildlife scenes on the hand-made paper. In addition Mayan design bark paintings depict important deities and glyphs in Mayan culture. As early as the early 1900’s missionaries were selling bark paintings to aid in the cost of their trips. Today they are a popular art form from Mexico.
Vivid colors, flora and fauna are often used for the creation and design of bark paintings.
African Kente Cloth Inspired Printmaking Kente is a very important part of Ghanaian culture. Many of the woven patterns are as old as the civilization of that region in Africa. Kente has a strong connection to African culture. The word Kente actually means "basket" (kenten). The master weaver s observed how a spider weaves its web. Through the process, the artists imitates the spider by using raffia fibers to create strips of fabric (kente). These strips are often made into cloth. In the past, Kente were worn by kings, queens, the rich and highly respected people. Today everyone can wear it. Kente cloth is usually worn for festivals, graduations, ceremonies, religious and other sacred occasions. It can also be given as a gift for weddings, banners, naming ceremonies and other special events.
Students use African Kente cloth designs and colors as inspiration for these contemporary designs. The shape and detail of the initial piece gives visual interest to the overall repetition of the patterns used.
Mandala Mandalas have historically been used by the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. They were often designed as a circle within a square. At one time, in South East Asia, mandalas represented war formations. Today they are often seen as soothing designs. The term mandala can be loosely translated to mean “circle”. The structure of the mandala creates a radiating pattern coming from a the center. There are also many things in nature that reflect this pattern, such as flowers, spider webs, and some sea shells The outer form of mandala or holy circle is a geometrical design, referred to as a Yantra. Each detail of its construction has symbolic meaning. The essence or purpose of the Mandala is concerned with the process of invocation, the calling in and realization of the spiritual force within.” Zandala / Zentangle The art of the Zendala is related to the centuries old art of the mandala. They symbolize the unity of the soul and the universe and are used for meditation and contemplation. There are many formats, many in black and white and some with color. This art form is being used by individuals and therapists and seems to be taking on a life of its own. They may be referred to as mandalas, zendalas and / or zentangles. Each of the formats seem to refer to the convergence of zen and doodling.
Contemporary American Art Geometric designs are used as the basis of a wide variety of Contemporary American Art. Barn Quilts, however, are a relatively new phenomena in rural America. They were originally designed and painted by a very limited number of people. They have, however, become a very popular art form. They are often displayed as exterior art on buildings but they have also gained popularity as interior artwork.
The American Quilt Trail is a collection of all of the hundreds of painted quilts-both those that are part of an organized trail and those that have been painted by individuals to decorate their property.
Art History / Art Studies Independent Study Project Investigation and inquiry based on Art History or Art Studies is the nature of this project. Students choose and the direction and nature of their work based on their research of artists and their cultures and artwork. Students have control of the direction and nature of their work. As a culminating activity the work is shared with the class. Students explain the nature of their work, their inspiration, and method in creating it.
Independent Study Project The artwork created in response to this project is as varied as the students that create them. A considerable amount of time, thought, and energy is invested in the project. Truly remarkable work is a natural product of the project.