Metaphors With Meaning & Symbols That Make a Statement! Johnston & McClung AVI-20

What is a metaphor and why is it important in art ? defined: noun –1- a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable (e.g. food for thought). –2- a thing symbolic of something else (i.e. a broken heart to illustrate hurt feelings). ORIGIN from Greek, from metapherein ‘to transfer’. defined: noun –1- a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable (e.g. food for thought). –2- a thing symbolic of something else (i.e. a broken heart to illustrate hurt feelings). ORIGIN from Greek, from metapherein ‘to transfer’. In art it is one of our most important tools for trying to comprehend partially what cannot be comprehended totally; our feelings, visual experience, moral practices, spiritual awareness. In art it is one of our most important tools for trying to comprehend partially what cannot be comprehended totally; our feelings, visual experience, moral practices, spiritual awareness. A metaphor is CRITICAL to our imagination because it allows us not to be literal- it is ambiguous and evocative- it allows the artist to keep secrets/ disguise the meaning feeding their art and the viewer to come up with their own narrative or to play a guessing game. A metaphor is CRITICAL to our imagination because it allows us not to be literal- it is ambiguous and evocative- it allows the artist to keep secrets/ disguise the meaning feeding their art and the viewer to come up with their own narrative or to play a guessing game. Metaphors allow for layers!!! (figuratively) We use something to represent something else- a comparison is drawn. Metaphors allow for layers!!! (figuratively) We use something to represent something else- a comparison is drawn.

Signs + Symbols = Visual Metaphors Visual images in art can present complex ideas in very condensed ways through signs and symbols Visual images in art can present complex ideas in very condensed ways through signs and symbols In general works of art become more meaningful to us when they evoke thoughts and feelings – i.e. moving beyond discussing the elements and principles and thinking about what the art is saying to us. In general works of art become more meaningful to us when they evoke thoughts and feelings – i.e. moving beyond discussing the elements and principles and thinking about what the art is saying to us. There are several ways metaphors are communicated to us: There are several ways metaphors are communicated to us:

Signs an arrangement of shapes into a classifiable or recognizable association an arrangement of shapes into a classifiable or recognizable association i.e. four rectangles assembled into a shape of a cross i.e. four rectangles assembled into a shape of a cross

Symbols symbols are signs that are used to represent something else – things that have a distinct interpretation symbols are signs that are used to represent something else – things that have a distinct interpretation i.e. the cross means health care or reference to religion i.e. the cross means health care or reference to religion

Implied Meaning Text font can imply the intention of the message Text font can imply the intention of the message Colours used can imply the meaning Colours used can imply the meaning I.e. the X & the green liquid… I.e. the X & the green liquid…

Applied to PRINTMAKING??? So what are you going to do for your printmaking project? So what are you going to do for your printmaking project? You are going to create a fascinating metaphor/ compilation of symbols to comment on a conflict you are interested in or touched by in the community around you NOW. You are going to create a fascinating metaphor/ compilation of symbols to comment on a conflict you are interested in or touched by in the community around you NOW. Ideas might include: pollution, urban sprawl, addictions, bullying (of any minority group- ageism, racism, sexism, homophobia). Ideas might include: pollution, urban sprawl, addictions, bullying (of any minority group- ageism, racism, sexism, homophobia). Your symbol might be a visual expression regarding the issue OR it might be a visual resolution presented (i.e. how to fix it?) Your symbol might be a visual expression regarding the issue OR it might be a visual resolution presented (i.e. how to fix it?)

What could this symbolize?

What could this represent?

Or this?

Base print (to accompany process explanation!)

SAFETY FIRST!