Nature inSpired BlocK prInts!

Fourth Grade was busy last month working developing prints inspired by objects from nature such as plants, animals, bugs, and trees. We focused on specific shapes, textures and lines that represent nature. Day 1- I had the students draw four "blocks" on 4x4 inch paper, and then we did one on one critiques to pick the best design. This  was fun/educational for both the students and myself to understand...their understanding of art, design, craft, and so forth a bit better. Day 2- Students began to engrave their chosen design onto a Styrofoam block, also 4x4 by tracing over their design, and then actually engraving with a carving tool.  Day 3/Day 4 Practice printing days- very experimental with LOTS of encouragement to be "neat printers, because printers are known for that." This was a big challenge during our practice printing times, but it was well worth two days to develop printing skills! Day 5/Day 6- Final Printing and framing days. I gave the students the option to work in partners to help one another (one with dirty "inking" hands, and one with clean "printing" hands) This helped, and was a great opportunity for them to work together. I set up six inking stations throughout the room, allowing students to experiment with rainbow rolls near the end of the class period, I wouldn't have done any more than six. I've also taught this on fabric,  focusing more on culture instead of nature based designs.

"Tree of Life" Step One: Object Printing

I really enjoy how this student divided up the space and created the root system!

Love the whimsical quality of this student example

The process

The theme this month in the Swallow Art Classroom is Nature. The Third Grade is focusing on the "Tree of Life" symbol and it's use around the world. First, we studied trees in many different forms through visuals from around the world. Then, the students were given a large selection of found objects to chose from...here are a few examples. WOW, this was messy. Following this project with the Third Grade, I sent a letter home to parents entitled "I'm not messy, I'm creative!... A disclaimer from the art room, we use washable materials and the paint should come out with a little extra scrubbing...!  It was nice to receive positive feedback from parents, such as "a messy day is a creative day in my mind"

Fourth Grade Environmental Prints

The Fourth Grader's focused their portion of the quilt project on "Environmental Awareness." In order to do this we went on a nature hike and collected elements of nature (trees, leaves, flowers, bark) Next, the students did a sketch, then an engraving on Styrofoam relief plates (amazing!) At this point we could being printed on paper (a proof) and then finally on muslin fabric. The students did a great job, however we had some trouble with the sizing of the fabric and resisting of the ink.. with practice I think I can improve it.

Second Grade Quilt

The Second Graders created non-objective prints on fabric squares, sharing printing techniques with one another. The student's practiced self control, respect, and recognizing strengths in one another. The students added final details with embroidery floss stitches. This was the first time I was working with students and metal needles, needless to say, I was a bit nervous- but all went well.

wane

Wane
18 x 24 in
Mixed Media Monotype Collage
2010

Excerpt from my statement from The Rotten Orange exhibition where these prints were shown:

I have been dancing around the concept of aging, yet subconsciously admitting the basic theory into nearly everything I produce. This specific group of work has outlined my interests in lifecycles and aging of the human body.  My initial interests in the aging process of living organisms surfaced as a reaction to tending for a summer garden. As the primary caretaker to the small family of seedlings, I became sensitive to not only their needs, but also the transitions through their short-lived life. As the plants slowly waned in the fall, I found myself interested in comparing these small particles of life, to human life. Observing these organisms through their short lifecycle has humbled me to consider my own lifecycle. I am just another organism, aging everyday.

My commitment to this concept emerged while experimenting with the Monotype process, as an appropriate mode of transportation through its organic qualities. I have since stemmed into mixed media monotypes to illustrate ambiguous stages in a given lifecycle. I reference the skin commonly in my work as our outer shell, exposed to the elements and sensitive to care, consequently offering an honest biography of age. Beyond the influences of skin I have turned my attention to hair for it’s common associations with aging. I admit, I too neglect to fully understand the aging process. Cheers to that, as my studies proceed.