This is a particularly challenging program. We introduce students to a variety of advanced ceramic techniques while learning to translate a two-dimensional drawing into three dimensions. Taught like my college classes, it challenges the students in a different way from their academic classes.
Advanced clay working techniques transport students into the actual way these artifacts are made in various cultures. There are many ways that deeply held cultural beliefs and imagery can appear in student’s work. There is a direct tie between artwork and global cultures. We emphasize the patterns, designs (geometric) symbols and imagery —and how they represent a culture’s historic form and style.
Current themes will be explored, such as global climate change, and a celebration of diversity. We will explore artistic symbols of cycles in nature and the seasons—and how they relate to a people’s lifestyle. Symbolic treatment may include animal imagery on the masks; symbols originating in nature help students to create their own symbolic language, including everything from the i.e. Sun, earth, snakes, elephants, owls
Masks have been worn since ancient times. We still wear them today. Primitive tribes wore masks as part of their rituals, festivals, ceremonies, and dances. The mask was thought to impart supernatural powers to wearers. Think for example of the Samurai, the European helmet masks, Nigerian ceremonial masks, Pre-Columbian masks, Japanese/Kabuki theater, or Native American use.
Imagine a man standing before a large fire wearing the heavy eagle mask and a long cedar bark costume on his body. He begins to dance, the firelight flickers and the feathers rustle as he moves about the room in front of hundreds of people. Now, imagine him pulling the string that opens the mask, he is transformed into something else entirely—what a powerful and dramatic moment! Northwest Coast transformation masks manifest transformation, usually an animal changing into a mythical being or one animal becoming another.
I will role cover the role of the masks in various cultures and how they function with regard to meaning and content. We will focus on one culture or type of mask-making: for example:
African Masks— How the mask can transform perception and express emotion through non-verbal communication
Students myth making through using clay, will create their own myth behind the mask
Using slabs, coils, pinch methods, fossil impressions and drape molds we will create a range of facial expressions that relate to a student’s experience. These can be varied, ranging from family, to the current global pandemic, global climate change, music, sports, and school.
Mask-making is a three-dimensional exercise in form, function, metaphor, symbols, and design.
Students will:
Free Imagery/ Documentation The excitement in the school’s art room is captured through photography. I provide a printed color poster and link to a digital photo slideshow of the students finished works that can be used in your art show or at an open house.
Day In Clay provides a hands-on art experience. Programs designed for your curriculum. Within minutes, participants are involved in the process of working with clay and learning about the relationship between art and society.
