Philosophy of Art Education

Art is a medium with which anyone can communicate. It is this fact that has influenced me to direct my career toward art education. I believe that students should be given the tools to interpret and manipulate their visual experience so that they can use art to express their emotions, creativity, and ideas. The world we live in today is increasingly visual, and a complete art education should equip students with the necessary knowledge to interpret our society’s culture. Students should discover perspectives unlike their own and learn to be tolerant of views that they may not have ever considered. Art education is a critical component of a child’s development and must not be ignored. I believe that a child’s development cannot be complete without proper exposure to the arts. My feeling is that if these goals are met, students will develop the necessary knowledge to interpret the visual world in which we live.

eLecture: Andrew Goldsworthy

ANDREW GOLDSWORTHY
in his documentary "Rivers and Tides"

Today, it seems that everyone is “going green”. For Andrew Goldsworthy it is more than just a trend, it is the motivation behind his art. Andrew Goldsworthy is a sculptor, photographer, and environmentalist living in Scotland. He is best known for his non-permanent sculptures in nature, but he does permanent pieces as well. In this eLecture, we will discuss Andrew Goldsworthy, his artwork, and the inspiration behind his art.

(Be sure to click on the links and refer to the 'Vocabulary' section if needed!)

"Iris Leaves with Rowan Berries"

Andy Goldsworthy is considered an environmental artist. Environmental art became popular in the late 1960’s and is becoming popular again today. Environmental artists generally aim to improve their own, and possibly others’, relationship with nature. Environmental art can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. It can be made from any material. However found objects (such plastic bottles) or other natural materials are most common.

Another Example of an Environmental Artist:
John Dahlson, environmental sculptor, made pieces from found objects and natural materials.
Example 1
Example 2



Click on the link and Read "In His Own Words" (toward the bottom of the web page).

"Rowan Leaves & Hole"

EPHEMERAL SCULPTURES

Goldsworthy uses only his natural environment to create his temporary sculptures. He never brings outside materials with him to incorporate into these pieces. Ice, sheep’s wool, leaves, bark, stones and twigs are common materials used in his art. He does not use scissors, glue, tape, or even paint to alter the natural materials. This means that his only tools are those found on his body. His hands, nails, teeth, and sometimes his tongue!

He must deal with the frustrations that will inevitably take place because of the unstable natural environments in which he works. When using leaves and other light objects, his materials can get easily out of place by wind or animals that may be lurking on site. Therefore, because his works are assembled in unpredictable environments, his sculptures are often short-lived.

A photograph is always taken once a temporary piece is completed. Photographs serve as documentation. Each photograph includes the date and location of that particular piece. Sometimes Andy is the only person to ever see the actual sculpture. He allows the environment to naturally break down his art and recycle it back into the earth. Sometimes he will watch the work that he just completed be destroyed naturally. He has said, "There's so many works I've made that the thing that will bring it to life is the very thing that will cause its death."


"Rivers and Tides" documentary clip. Click to see Andy in action!




PERMANENT SCULPTURES

Andy’s recent sculptures have been permanent. He uses tools on some of his permanent sculptures to get the desired shape and consistency that he is seeking. He must alter his materials somewhat because he is creating these to last.

"Roof", 2005"

"Stone Houses", 2004

“Stone Houses” 2004

MORE ARTWORK

"Dandelions & Hole"

"Icicle Star, joined with saliva "

"Lying down on dry earth while rain begins"

"Autumn Cherry Leaves"

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Some of Andrew Goldsworthy's work is never seen by anyone but him, except for in photographs. Which is art? The photograph or the actual sculpture? Why?

Do you think that he should make all of his sculptures permanent? How would that change his message?

Goldworthy's temporary sculptures are made in rural locations. How do you think his materials would change if he began making art in New York City? What would he use? What would you use? Why?




ACTIVITY

Andrew Goldsworthy has sculpted nature-inspired pieces all over the world. In doing so he has had to work with whatever materials that were available in the environment in which he was working.




Create your own sculpture “Goldsworthy style” using found objects in your own environment.
Your sculpture must be at least 12 inches in diameter. You may use ONE tool that is not found in nature.

Directions:

1. Brainstorm.
• GO OUTSIDE! The best inspiration for environmental artists is in nature!
• What do you find a lot of in your area?

2. Collect your objects.

3. Evaluate your findings.
• Do any of your objects communicate anything about where you live or what you value?
• Are your objects soft? Hard? Long? Short? Sturdy? Fragile?
• Do you want your sculpture to be temporary or permanent?

4. Sketch some ideas for your sculpture.
Pick your favorite. Then…

5. Begin work!



“A lot of my work is like picking potatoes; you have to get into the rhythm of it”
-Andrew Goldsworthy



EXTRA CREDIT:

• Don’t use any tools that are not found in nature. Work like Andrew Goldsworthy!

• Take pictures to document your progress including a photo of your finished sculpture.



VOCABULARY

Ephemeral- temporary, lasting a short time

Found Objects- A natural object or an artifact not originally intended as art, found and considered to have aesthetic value

Environmental Art- art that helps improve our relationship with the natural world. It is made to disappear, transform, or remain constant. Almost always, environmental art conveys a message of preservation or education about natural processes.



REFERENCES

Inspiration for Vocabulary Definitions

"Rivers and Tides" Documentary clip

More Information on Andrew Goldsworthy- "In His Own Words"

What is Environmental Art?- The Green Museum Website

Wikipedia- Andrew Goldsworthy

Andrew Goldsworthy @ the Metropolitan Museum of Art- Stone Houses, 2004

"Rivers and Tides" - Documentary Review

WebQuest:

ROMARE BEARDEN

INTRODUCTION

Romare Bearden lived from 1911-1988. His life’s work earned him great success. His peers have said that he was an incredibly intelligent man who loved art, literature and music. He is known for his unique style of art that was made famous during the Harlem Renaissance. His interests were some of his greatest inspirations.

Romare Bearden was influenced by music, his experiences and his culture. His art is heavily influenced by the jazz music he loved so deeply. He listened to it while he created his art.

3 Folk Musicians, 1967

“I listened for hours to recordings of Earl Hines at the piano. Finally, I was able to block out the melody and concentrate on the silences between the motes. I found this was very helpful to me in the placement of objects in my paintings and collages. Jazz has shown me ways of achieving artistic structures that are personal to me.”
-Romare Bearden

Click, Look and Listen

Everyday life in Harlem was also a source of inspiration for Romare Bearden. He worked as a social worker for about 30 years. During this time, he was a ble to get a honest representation of the people of Harlem.

Card Players, 1982

New York City is the birthplace of several artistic movements that have changed the way we look at art. One such movement was the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance lasted from the 1920’s to the mid 1930’s. During this time, African American writers, artists, and musicians gained international recognition. It was the first time in American history that African American art was taken seriously. This was also the time period when jazz music began gaining recognition throughout the country. Jazz originally developed in New Orleans, Louisiana and combines both European and African components.




TASK

The student will be able to experience the creative process used by Romare Brearden during the Harlem Renaissance. They will create their own music-inspired composition using collage techniques. The finished product will reflect the student’s interpretation of their own personal influences.

How do you make a collage or what is a collage, you ask?




PROCESS

Review these websites:
Read this article.
Collage art (click on at least 10 titles to view)

the Harlem Renaissance was...
Explore.

Bluer than Blue, 1981

Answer the following questions:
What genre of music did Romare Bearden use to inspire his art?
How did it affect his art?
Can you see the musical influence when you look at his work?
If so, where? How do you know?




Think of your own personal musical taste.
What kind of music affects you?
(Play it while you brainstorm.)
How does it affect you emotionally? (Laughter? Tears? Etc.)
As you branstorm, jot down notes to keep in mind:
Think about where you like to be while you listen to your music. (outside, in your room, lost in your thoughts, etc.)
What colors come to mind? Shapes?
What did Romare Bearden use to interpret his music and how can you translate those techniques into your own style?

Collect materials to assemble a collage.
Think outside the box if you wish. (magazines, foil, lace, screen, or 3D objects may be used)

Play the same music choice the whole time you create your collage.
Lightly sketch your composition on your paper before you begin.
Begin cutting, arranging and attaching pieces to create your collage.




EVALUATION

Each student will earn their score based on the following aspects of their performance:

-completion of assignment
-effort demonstrated
-content, organization, and originality
-neatness and craftsmanship in all aspects of work




CONCLUSION

Internet navigation and utilization is a valuable resource to enrich the learning process.

Upon completion of this WebQuest has given you background knowledge of the Harlem Renaissance and exposed you to a major contributor to African American art history. You have also experienced a technique used by a famous artist, and have created an original piece of art inspired by that experience.

My hope is that you have learned about the art-making process and will continue your research independently! ☺


CREDITS

MET Museum of Art- Look and Listen: Romare Bearden
Bearden Foundation- Biography
Romare Bearden Foundation HomePage
NPR- Article on Romare Bearden
More on the Harlem Renaissance
How to Collage