Junk Food Pop Art Clocks - Grade 9

This was a unit where students created junk food clocks using pulp mache. Students investigated the packaging of junk food. They also investigated Pop Artists and California Funk Art artist's work that had a food theme. Students had to solve the design problem of representing a junk food item as a relief sculpture that doubles as a functioning clock. Students also investigated styles and placement for numbers. 

Justin has a cement mixer that he uses to pulp up recycled paper. There is always paper within a school that can be recycled. The paper is put into the cement mixer with water and it churns it into pulp. The excess water is squeeze out of the pulp and paper mache glue is kneaded into the mix. The mix has a similar consistency to clay and can be modeled. Sculpted items are slowly built up.
This is a great medium for teachers who want to be environmentally friendly and don't have a kiln.

Students sculpted around a clock mechanism that was wrapped in a protective film to ensure a close fit. Once dry the mechanism was remove, the film taken off and then replaced. Students painted the clock and put hands on. This lesson was great fun!

Zodiac Sign Masks - Grade 9

This mask lesson was based it upon students researching their own zodiac sign. I also encourage students to explore their Chinese horoscope sign. Students investigated both symbols representation, colors, emotions and other characteristics and represented these in their masks. One student, the one with the silver foil around the head with antlers won a regional art competition and got $200 (middle row - far  right). These were made out of pulp mach and are wearable. The masks were made by using pulp mache built upon a form and embellished with mixed media and acrylic paint. Just says this has been the most successful mask unit so far. Each work was very unique and personal to the artist as well allowing them to explore the stereotypes embedded within the zodiac signs.