Socorro Mucino Roberto Clemente Community Academy Grades 9-12, Art I

Elizabeth Catlett Sharecropper, 1952, printed 1970 Color linocut on cream Japanese paper 450 x 431 mm (block); 544 x 513 mm (sheet) The Art Institute of Chicago Restricted gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Hartman

Big Ideas: Catlett’s work was inspired by personal experience, social and political issues. Artists often use personal experience as inspiration Artists can give voice to and celebrate the ordinary person. The linoleum printmaking process incorporates use of bold high contrasting shapes, lines and texture. United One Equal

What I wanted my students to learn : Making art is one way they can express meaningful content about their ideas related to social, political or contemporary issues. How the basic art elements and principles of design are used in executing a composition. What is involved in planning and completing a successful print.

Our President ObamaToo Many Prisons Save Our Home War

Killing Yourself Our Forest Salute our Troops Ban Racism

Learning activities: Close Read of “The Sharecropper” and other prints. Using the internet as a source for images Brainstorm and develop a drawing which represents a social, political or contemporary issue. Develop an image with emphasis on bold contrasting black and white shapes, lines and texture. How to use gouging tools, ink a plate and print an edition. Self-reflection and class critique.

Learning activities also included: Working in groups to read information about Catlett and share their findings. View Catlett’s series “The Negro Woman” and discuss how the images honor the ordinary black woman. Students discussed the time period her work reflects and how it relates to the present. Prints from: The Negro Woman Series by Catlett.

What my students learned:  Artists communicate ideas through the use of symbols and images  Artist can use their artwork to express their social and political concerns individually or as part of a collective  The printmaking process incorporates many steps  Printmaking is a process artists use to create multiple images. It dates back to China in about A.D.150 and flourished in Europe in the 15 th century. Peace War Sucks

What I learned:  Clarifying misconceptions can be very frustrating  Students need constant redirection to refine their ideas  A worthwhile printmaking project really takes a lot of planning Despite all the work involved to plan and execute this project, the results made me very proud. Struggle for the Future