Submitted by: Joani Share, Arcadia High School, Phoenix, Arizona
UNIT: Sculpture - Folk Art - 3-D Design
Lesson: Oaxacan Animals - with paper clay
Grade Level: Middle School thru High School
Whimsical
Creatures Based on Oaxacan
Wood Carving
BACKGROUND:
Oaxaca, pronounced wa-HAH-ka, is one of Mexico's largest states and its
folk art and traditions are among the richest. Oaxacan painted wood
carvings have become a prized folk art. They are created by the Zapotec
Indians who live in the Oaxaca Valley, located in the southern part of
Mexico.
 |
The wood carving techniques and artistic capacity of
the Zapotec Indians are legendary, honed over hundreds of
generations. Each of the wooden sculptures are hand-carved from the
wood of the Copal (or Copillo) tree. Each piece is hand-sanded and
painted in bright and exciting motifs. Traditionally the men carve
the forms, and the women paint them using very tiny paint brushes
and sometimes-organic material such a pine needles.
The style that dominates today can be traced back to a single
man- Manuel Jimenez from the village of Arraloza. These sculptural
carvings are called Alebrijes. |
ASSIGNMENT:
Create a whimsical creature based on the Oaxacan Wood
carvings. Your “creature” will have an armature
(base) made from newspaper and tape. It will be covered with
“Paperclay” then painted- a base coat and then designs (patterns)
using paint pens.
Size; Your creature should be no more than 8” x
10” (can be smaller, or extended if wings or horns are added).
Be inventive! Create your whimsical creature on paper
first- draw thumbnails then build the armature out of newspaper.
MATERIALS:
Newsprint, newspapers, masking tape, white, aluminum
foil, Paperclay, sandpaper (optional), acrylic paints, brushes, paint
markers.
Resources:
Art of Mexico: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/mexico.htm
Alebrijes
- Oaxacan Woodcarving - El Caracol Zapoteca fine Oaxacan
Woodcarving Gallery. These are some of the finest examples I have seen.
Beautiful details - nice close up views. Educational site (as well as
commercial). This gallery does give art teachers permission to use images
provided you send them email first. If you want only a few - Fair Use
guidelines are permitted.
Paper Mache Lesson: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/Lessons/7-alebrijes.htm
[HIGH SCHOOL LESSONS] [ MIDDLE
SCHOOL LESSONS] [IAD HOME] |
