Art Lesson Plan: Mixed Media Self Portrait- Sculpture

Submitted by: Shannon McGraw, The Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX
UNIT: Sculpture - 3D Design - Mixed media - Recycling
Lesson: Self Portrait using watch parts and tin - Mixed media
Grade Level: Middle School

Watch Me Get Out of the Box Watch Me Dance A Time to Fly

Lesson Summary:

Students utilized watch parts along with other tin objects to create a 'self-portrait.' The portrait had to address the metaphor or the watch parts by having either the word 'watch' or 'time' in its title. They were to use originality and imagination when creating their body parts while being able to demonstrate an understanding of certain elements and principles of art like focal point, repetition, texture and balance. They also had to add a word of words that further clarified their theme. (click images for larger views)

Objectives: Materials:

create whimsical self portrait using watch parts and tin - recycling
demonstrate safety in using tools - use a variety of materials to create a work of art
demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of design ( focal point, repetition, texture and balance)

old watch parts*
assortment of tin cans
tooling foil, assorted metal objects
assorted screen materials
tin snips, hole punches, awls
wire brads/fasteners, rivets/tools
E600 or Goop Glue, wood boards

Teacher preparation:

*Gather watch parts from repair shops around town (Shannon's watch parts were donated). Cut wood boards to size (Shannon used old barn siding). Bring in a collection of tin/aluminum cans.

Instruction/Motivation:

Present the whimsical work of Beth Piver and show tin art from book by Bobby Hansson, The Fine Art of the Tin Can
Demonstrate safe use of tin snips, awls and rivet tools. Show various ways to join metal.

Procedures:

Plan figure - arrange on paper.
Students looked through the watch parts and were to bring in tin that had good letters, colors and patterns on them. Each student decided on their theme. They were to work from large to small, have a focal point and utilize repetition, while paying attention to detail.

Students measured out a 12"x15" paper and began gathering, cutting, and
arranging. Shannon had them work on a white piece of paper, the same size as the wood, because she wanted them to see how the background, in terms of color and texture, would transform their portraits.
Attach pieces together - use rivets, wire brads, E600 Glue (or Goop). Glue together/join then mount on background wood. Will some parts move? How will you do that?
Title work - class critique - discussion

Assessment: Rubric adapted from Marianne Galyk

Student Comments:

Teacher Comments:

National Standards: