Planning Backwards Model*
Teaching Artist Practicum
Name of Project: Paint a Tile: Playing With Found Objects
Grade Level or Age of Participant: Adult
School, Teacher and Classroom: Spectrum Artworks with artist Jes Reyes
Teaching Artist: Abigail Engle
Overview of Project
Using ceramic tiles that will serve as found objects, the class begins with a short presentation on artists both past and present artwork that have utilized found or “reclaimed” objects to help their practice. Next, the class moves onto a short (10-15 minute) demonstration on methods and materials that can be used. The remainder of the time encouragea “play” and work time. At the end artists reflect on their work and how the lesson went.
“Big Ideas”/ Essential QUESTION(s)
As artists, how can we use found objects in artmaking?
Do the artists find trends in the objects they choose?
Student Outcome Objectives
Students will:
1. Learn and analyze different artists who utilized found objects.
2. Create art based on ‘play’ with found objects
3. Apply both new and previous art making experiences to the studio project.
Prior Knowledge
No need of any prior knowledge to be involved with this
Lesson Preparation Timeline
Finish Prepping Tiles as Surface & continue collecting found objects
Final Preparations/Getting Materials
Refine Planning Backwards Model (Lesson Plan) Draft
Examples of Artwork
Robert Rauschenberg (Ready-Mades)
Various Dada Artists
Larry Rivers
Kurt Schwitters
Ellen Gallager
Eva Hesse
Lousie Nevelson
Tony Cragg: Menschenmenge Broooklyn Museum
Niki de Saint Phalle http://hyperallergic.com/178128/falling-for-niki-de-saint-phalle/
Additional Resources
Books on Dada Art
Jim Dine Works
Assessment
At the conclusion of the workshop there will be a small review of how the pieces turned out, and comments about the lesson format. You will want to prepare a short list of questions to start the reflection.
Materials
- Substrate (for this lesson, ceramic tiles were used as another form of found object)
- Felt to put on the backs of the tiles.
- Various Found Objects collected by instructor /artists can bring in their own objects Give a list of these so that anyone looking at this lesson plan can think about what objects they might choose for a similar lesson
Fabric Scraps that can be cut up
Paper magazines/other paper materials that can be cut up
Hard objects like wood, metal, glass or other 3D elements
Ink
Acrylic Paint
Tar Gel, Drying Mediums, Pumice Gel, Gel Mediums
Various glue, Gorilla Glue, strong adhesive for heavier projects
Learning Activities and Timing
Presentation on Found Objects as Artwork - image sharing (10-15 Minutes)
Demonstration of ways to incorporate Found Objects with different materials and mediums (20 Minutes)
Encouraged time to create and play with found objects and materials (1.5 Hours)
The group will meet back together to talk about their pieces and do closing thoughts on the lesson. (10-15 Minutes)
Installed in the trophy case, it has shelves for display
Teaching Artist Reflection
I anticipate some problems with different levels of interest in the subject and in art in general. I also anticipate some problems getting started, with there being so many materials and so much time.
The artists’ work will be installed somewhere in the Spectrum Lighthouse building, and all of the members that come in will be able to see it.
