Opposing Forces

Quick Write (10 points) In your journal, describe a memory of a game you either played or watched. 1. What was the name of the game? 2. How many players participated? 3. Did you play or watch? 4. Where was the game played? 5. Was it friendly or competitive? 6. What was the objective of the game? 7. What type of equipment or pieces were required? 8. What was the outcome? 9. How was the game stored? 10. What was your opinion of the game?

Objectives Evaluate the use of subject matter, symbols and images used in student chess sets and in examples of master works. Use art journals to brainstorm and create original multiple solutions for a chess set that clearly communicate the theme of “opposing forces.” Apply advanced hand-building and surface techniques to create a chess set with a functional storage container incorporated into the overall design. Demonstrate innovation and creativity when synthesizing structural choices and artistic functions.

Background Information

Origins of Chess Caturanga 6 th c. India (Gupta Empire) Translation: “Four divisions [of the military]” Original pieces represented infantry (pawn), cavalry (night), elephants (bishop) and chariotry (rook). Spread and developed from Muslim world through trade to Europe, developing into it’s present-day form. Game of noble gentlemen during middle ages and Renaissance. Used during the Age of Enlightenment (1700’s) as a teaching tool in schools and in the military.

Today’s Game Continues to be a game of strategy and tactics. Competitive or recreational 1851-first chess tournament 1886-first official world chess tournament 1927-first women’s world chess tournament Bobby Fischer dominates over Russian players during the cold war.

Parts of a Chess Set Game Board: 8 Squares x 8 Squares (64 Squares) 16 Pieces: 1 King 1 Queen 2 Rooks 2 Knights 2 Bishops 8 Pawns

Chess In Popular Culture And Arts A Game At Chess, Thomas Middleton Through The Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll The Royal Game, Stefan Zweig The Defense, Vladimir Nabokov The 7 th Seal, Ingmar Bergman The Chess Players, Satyajit Ray Wizard’s Chess, J.K. Rowling Tri-dimensional Chess, Star Trek Searching for Bobby Fischer Chess, Tim Rice, Bjorn Ulvacus and Benny Andersson

Group Critique

Doll House Set What is the subject matter? What choices did the artist make in order to represent the game pieces and board? What are the sources of these choices? Are they valid? On a scale of 1 (difficult) to 10 (very easy), would you be able to play chess with this set? Does this chess set communicate the theme of opposing forces? Explain.

Salt and Pepper What is the subject matter? What choices did the artist make in order to represent the game pieces and board? What are the sources of these choices? Are they valid? On a scale of 1 (difficult) to 10 (very easy), would you be able to play chess with this set? Does this chess set communicate the theme of opposing forces? Explain.

Architecture Set What is the subject matter? What choices did the artist make in order to represent the game pieces and board? What are the sources of these choices? Are they valid? On a scale of 1 (difficult) to 10 (very easy), would you be able to play chess with this set? Does this chess set communicate the theme of opposing forces? Explain.

Iraqi Quagmire Chess Set What is the subject matter? What choices did the artist make in order to represent the game pieces and board? What are the sources of these choices? Are they valid? On a scale of 1 (difficult) to 10 (very easy), would you be able to play chess with this set? Does this chess set communicate the theme of opposing forces? Explain.

PLANNING AHEAD

Project Design Requirements The Game Board 8 x 8 checkered boxes with minimum 1 inch border around parameter. Box form: doubles as storage 32 Game Pieces 16 Pieces (per player): 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, 8 Pawns Must represent the theme of “Opposing Forces”

Review: Parts of a Chess Set Game Board: 8 Squares x 8 Squares (64 Squares) 16 Pieces: 1 King 1 Queen 2 Rooks 2 Knights 2 Bishops 8 Pawns

Other Design Considerations Will your pieces be painted or glazed? How will you represent each of the 6 categories of chess pieces? How will you treat the interior of the chess box to be functional for storing each chess piece? Besides the 64 checkered squares at the top of the box, what other designs will you include that will be visually and thematically harmonious with the overall final product? What craftsmanship issues will you need to consider as you create your chess set?

Activity: 5 minute Brainstorming Ideas to get you started… Cowboys vs. Indians Dogs vs. Cats Coke vs. Pepsi Products Fruit vs. Vegetables Jocks vs. Nerds Biomorphic vs. Geometric Town vs. Country Art vs. Science Cups vs. Mugs Sneakers vs. Heels Cow vs. Chicken Chicken vs. Egg Urban vs. Suburban Republican vs. Democrat Brainstorm at least 10 of your own!

Journal Assignment (25 points) In your art journal: 1. Use pencils and/or colored pencils to create a minimum of 3 detailed designs for a chess set that communicate the theme Opposing Forces. 2. Include detailed designs for the exterior of each set’s storage box. The top of the lid should have an 8 x 8 checker design. 3. Include detailed designs for the interior of each set’s storage box. 4. Include detailed designs for each set’s 6 types of chess pieces. Include both sides! 5. Included detailed notes for each set designed.

Small Group Activity: Critiquing A Student Example 1.How does this project reflect the theme of opposites? 2.How has the student creatively resolved the imagery for the game pieces? 3.Draw examples of suggestions you might have for creating a border around the game board? 4.Draw examples of suggestions you might have for creating a design for the box that is both functional and decorative?

Questions? Due Dates Designs turned in beginning of class _______ Sets ready to dry end of class _______ Surfaces painted by _______

Other Options If you don’t want to do a chess set… Create a different game board that reflects the spirit of the theme Opposing Forces. Will your pieces be painted or glazed? How will you represent your game pieces? How will you treat the interior of the game’s container to be functional for storing your game’s pieces? Besides the game pieces and game board, what other designs will you include that will be visually and thematically harmonious with the overall final product? What craftsmanship issues will you need to consider as you create your chess set?