OBJECTIVE: Students will observe and create kinetic balance in artwork. After studying the artist Calder, Students will Plan and create a wire and foam core sculpture in perfect balance
INTRODUCTION: (Anticipatory set):
Art Link:
Think, Pair, Share on balance
In your sketchbook: draw an example of balance in nature (organic balance)
How have we used Balance in our artwork to date
KEY VOCABULARY: Mobile, Armature, Stable, Kinetic Movement, Actual Movement, Balance and emphasis
MATERIALS:
14 gauge wire (Dick Blick)
7x11 piece of Foam Core
1 Large Rock: Lowes Large Beach rock $10 a bag
Blue, Red, White, Black, and Yellow Acrylic Paint.
Artists/Art History: Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976)
Expressionist Movement
Studied mechanical engineering
Famous for inventing the mobile.
Alexander Calder also created paintings, lithographs, toys, tapestry and jewelry.
1930's and 1940's trace the sculptor's early roots in Surrealism.
Random and spontaneous expression was emphasized as a way to release the subconscious impulse into art.
Calder used continuous line drawing which he adapted to his innovative wire sculptures such as "Goldfish Bowl”
Project Requirements:
Plan and create balance sculpture with actual movement in the style of Calder
Sketchbook:
Plan design of the sculpture. Consider:
Wire structure
Color
Shape
Balance
Final Project
Stable is balanced and well structured
Shape Disks are in the style of Calder and well painted
No paint strokes present, shape disks, and rock
The sculpture is balanced from all sides
The sculpture has detail and precision (stable, wire, paint, balance)
The sculpture has actual kinetic movement
Assessment:
Informal: Small group written critique
Formal: Artist Statement
Formal: Grading final sculpture
CA STANDARDS:
- Prof.VA:Cr3.1: Apply relevant criteria from traditional and contemporary cultural contexts to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for works of art and design in progress.
- Prof.VA:Pr5: Analyze and evaluate the reasons and ways an exhibition is presented.
- Prof.VA:Re7.1: Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences.
- Prof.VA:Re8: Interpret an artwork or collection of works, supported by relevant and sufficient evidence found in the work and its various contexts.
Modifications:
English Language Learner: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques, group activities to check for understanding
Special Needs: Handout for project, project samples, Power point with visuals, Critique for additional understanding, Demonstration of techniques
Accelerated Learner: Expand on skills learned to create a unique project.
Advanced art students will be asked to increase the difficulty of their final sculpture They will also be expected incorporate more details and principles into the final project
Scaffolding adaptations:
Students will revisit Balance and emphasis from previous learning. We will use similar visuals to refresh earlier learning. Notes on Art history, Key Vocabulary and artists will be taken throughout discussions for added understanding. Creating sketchbook plans and Constructing final sculpture will be demo started in class using guided instruction.
INSTRUCTION:
Students will receive details about Calder, Balance, Stables and Mobiles
DIRECT INSTRUCTION:
Day 1: PowerPoint Presentation Op Art
Opening: Art Link: Balance
Draw a picture of balance in Nature
Draw a second example of balance using shape and line
How have we used balance in class to date
Critique: Describe, analyze, interpret
Discussion: Alexander Calder & Impact on culture
ART HISTORY:
The mobile is a kinetic sculpture delicately balanced or suspended components with actual movement
Kinetic: moving parts, depends on motions for the effect
Powered by
Wind
Motor
Viewer
Indirect Instruction
Video of the circus
Describe what you saw.
What thoughts do you have on this artwork?
Given the opportunity, what aspect of the circus would you want to interact with directly?
How does this work relate to Calder’s Mobiles?
Teacher Models:
Movement and Art History
Students take notes in their sketchbooks
Teacher Monitors throughout the discussion
DIRECT INSTRUCTION:
Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976)
Expressionist movement
Studied mechanical engineering
Famous for inventing the mobile
He also created paintings, lithographs, toys and jewelry
Calder’s stationary sculptures are called stabiles
1930's and 1940's trace the sculptor's early roots in Surrealism.
Random and spontaneous expression was emphasized as a way to release the subconscious impulse into art.
Calder used continuous line drawing which he adapted to his innovative wire sculptures such as "Goldfish Bowl.”
Balance gives viewers the feeling that all parts of the work are in equilibrium
All paintings and sculptures in galleries and museums are balanced in some way.
Two basic forms of balance
symmetrical
asymmetrical
Symmetrical
To determine the basic balance of an artwork, draw an imaginary line down the center
If what happens on one side generally happens on the other, we say the work is symmetrical.
The illustration above simplifies symmetry’s basic organization.
Asymmetrical balance will also give a sense of equilibrium
The organization is more complex.
Just as you and your heavier seesaw partner had to figure out how to arrange yourselves on the seesaw
The artist must play with the specific elements to bring them into balance.
Check for Understanding:
Monitor room during Pre-assessment in a sketchbook
Monitor throughout the discussion to be sure notes are being taken
Presentation assessment
FINAL PROJECT: Students will Plan and create a wire and foam core sculpture in perfect balance
Day 2: Art Link
Quiet writing in a sketchbook
Calder: What did he invent?
Why was he dissatisfied as an artist early in his career?
Name and describe one activity from the video?
What makes his sculptures special?
Sketchbook Planning
Students receive handouts on Calder and Rock
Students plan their wire sculptures
Plan Shapes
Plan Balance
Day 3: Sketchbook Planning
Once approved
Student will receive
Rocks
Wire
Foam Core
Studio: Begin to construct sculptures
Day 4: Art Link: http://whitney.org/WatchAndListen/Artists?play_id=856
Take notes for artist statement
important to note how the circus influences his body of work
Studio: Continue to Balance
