sense of place lesson plan

Instructor: Katie Shields

Title: Sense of Place Silhouette

Grade Level: 8^th

Brief History: Cutting paper to create art is a technique that has been around for centuries and is apparent in many different cultures. The earliest examples of paper cutting come from China and dates all the way back to the sixth century. Since then, the craft has been used in Indian, Mexican, European, Japanese, and Israeli art.

In today’s society, the use of using cut paper to create a silhouette is everywhere. Contemporary artists like Banksy and ad campaigns like Apple’s Ipod are good examples of the modern twist this traditional technique has taken.

Standards:

9.1.8 (A, B, C, H)

9.3.8 (B, D, E)

9.4.8 (A)

Goals:

To create a paper cut silhouette of the student’s own “sense of place” – i.e. a place where they feel thoughtful and comfortable.

Objectives:

1. Carefully choose an image of the student’s own “sense of place” that can be translated into a 2d silhouette.
2. Apply techniques learned to construct image.
3. Explain the meaning behind their work.
4. Participate in an open group discussion about each students work.
5. Create a paper cut silhouette that focuses on craft and technique as well as design.

Requirements:

Create a 2d image out of cut paper and speak about its meaning to the class.

Resources/Materials/Visual Arts:

Exemplars of traditional and modern paper cut art

Books about the technique of cutting paper

Demo by teacher including exemplar

Materials/Supplies:

Construction Paper

Scissors

Xacto blades

Glue

Teacher Preparation:

Teacher will:

- Create an exemplar prior to lesson to show class

- Come prepared with books and materials for inspiration

- Create vocabulary list

- Demonstrate technique in class for the students

- Be available for questions and concerns as they pop up

Introduction: Gauge how much students know about paper cut artwork. Where do they see silhouettes in every day life? How do these silhouettes compare to the more traditional paper cut artwork of other cultures? How can they take an image in their mind and translate it into a 2d silhouette?

Directions:

1. Think of an image that defines your own personal “sense of place” – a place where you can be thoughtful and comfortable.
2. Sketch out the image on a piece of paper, taking careful consideration of the outlines and shape of the image.
3. Make sure to include any details that may be important to cut away from inside the image (ex: windows on a house).
4. Begin to cut the image out of the paper, starting with the outside and working inwards.
5. Carefully glue finished cut image onto a piece of construction paper.
6. Speak about the meaning of your image!

Closure:

Students will pin up their own images and participate in a group discussion/critique.

Critique/Evaluation/Assessment:

Students will hang their own work and discuss the meanings behind their own “sense of place” images. Attention will also be paid to particular images that work the best as 2D silhouettes, and why.

Extensions:

If students finish early:

1. They can work on another paper cut image.
2. They can examine the examples of the traditional and modern paper cut artwork.

Time Allotment: (1) 50 minute class

- 8 minutes – introduction

- 30 minutes – work time

- 2 minutes – clean up

- 10 minutes – critique/discussion

Vocabulary:

Silhouette - can refer to the art of cutting outlines or portraits out of black paper

Kirie - the Japanese art of paper cutting

Sanjhi - the Indian art of paper cutting

Scherenschnitte - means "scissors cutting" and is the German and Swiss art of paper cutting

Papel picado - the Mexican art of paper cutting

Safety concerns:

Teacher will express the importance of being careful with the Xacto blades and scissors, and closely monitor the students as they use these tools.

Bibliography / References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papercutting - general information about the art of papercutting

http://www.banksy.co.uk/ - very interesting socially conscious artist who uses silhouette often in his work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo - prime example of the use of silhouette in current media.

http://learn.walkerart.org/karawalker - another great socially conscious artist who uses paper cut silhouettes in her art.