Practicing "Batik" with Middle School

Creating colourful designs on fabric has been a long standing tradition in many cultures. Though not a traditional batik process, the students were quite interested in developing their pieces using white glue as a resist.

For this piece, students drew from life, using the plants around the classroom. The drawing was done on paper first, then outlined in black marker. Wax paper was put over top, and then the fabric. Students then traced their design onto the fabric using white school glue. This was done in the first class session.

In the second class, we used diluted acrylics to paint in the colours. After it was completely painted and dried, the glue was washed out. We used this project in an exploration of warm and cool colours and how to develop levels of contrast in their work, and discussed the works of Georgia O'Keeffe for colour pallet inspiration. The students were quite excited about the process, and enjoyed working with the different colours.

Other possibilities for this project- creating it with multiple layerings of glue/colour rather than the single painting step to see if we can get the full batik effect. Definitely something to think about for next time...

Periodically Integrating Art and Science

I came across one of the most interesting projects as an integration of art and science. In Australia, there was a large group of printmakers who took the elements from the periodic table and created an interactive art work. For the full project, see here:
https://blog.etsy.com/en/2008/art-and-science-converge-the-periodic-table-printmaking-proj/

I have a bit smaller classes with my senior high students, and decided to do this project a little differently. Each student was able to choose 3-5 elements, and develop different visual representations for each of their elements. They did some printmaking, drawing, relief sculpture, paper sculpture and wire sculpture, to name a few. They are also working on a research powerpoint presentation to accompany their work.

Some of their work in progress:

This project has been a challenge to organize as each student gets a choice of elements and artistic practice. The enthusiasm that they have demonstrated in developing their ideas and integrating their scientific understanding has been wonderful to see. The students have, at times, done their own research on technique when they want to learn more. I am looking forward to seeing all of their finished works.

The School Mural

The Mural is complete!

Unfortunately, I am waiting for the Final Reveal at our Fine Arts Evening on June 4th before posting. :-)

So here is just a small sample of the painting in process...

We utilized a pointillist style of painting, where students used their fingers to create the points of colour. Inspired by the works of Seurat, this project was undertaken as a communal effort, involving as many students as possible from grades 1-12. Students were encouraged with the understanding that each individual tile would become part of the bigger picture, as we encourage all of our students to be a part of the larger community.

I am taking the opportunity here to again thank my senior level students who worked on the design and preparation process, from layout to priming the panels. Without you, this would not have been possible.

As well, a great big THANK YOU to all students who helped with the painting. This is YOUR school mural. I hope that you all enjoyed the process and that you will continue to enjoy the finished product.