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2nd Grade: Spirits of Earth & Sky
Mythology: Chinese / Inuit Influence
Immersed in the symbolism of mythical tales, students explore the majestic power of 'the peacock' as an emblem of immortality and rebirth; the cherished tale of 'the rabbit in the moon' in Chinese culture; the meaning behind one's Chinese Zodiac Sign as a perception of oneself; and Sedna--the Inuit 'Frozen Sea Goddess'--as creator and protector of all sea mammals from the heartless ambitions of the hunter. Inspired by exquisite Chinese silk-screen paintings and the bold expressiveness of Inuit sculpture, students embark on a mythical journey to understand the cultural significance of these creatures of Earth and Sky. Beginning with the effusive power of lines in printmaking, students draw, trace and press strutting peacocks whose radiant plumage represents the sun's fiery decent out of darkness at dawn. Students then, sensitively, paint with thin brushes, India ink, and watercolors to create the illusion of space by inking a Chinese Zodiac animal (that fits their character) within a distant, watery moon that is overlapped by long, wispy grasses, blown India-ink lines and dotted flowers to resemble a silhouetted cherry-blossom tree in the foreground. From 2-D to 3-D, students sculpt their own variations of Sedna--Goddess of the Frozen Arctic Ocean--as part human-part sea mammal (either Seal, Walrus or Whale) in clay, pressed with sea shells to create texture, then adorned on the body for character.
The all-grade level culminating art project turns a child's mythological scrutiny inwards. After hearing the empowering story, The Dot, students create meaningful mandalas that emphasize the 'specialness and uniqueness of Self' at its center. Using personal, symbolic treasures placed at the heart of their art piece, students then trace radial-symmetric patterns onto tie-dyed, translucent gauze-fabric through carbon sheets, then overlay gold fabric-paint to create an embossed effect that reveals an overall visual balance and unity. Each child's mandala represents a constructed mythology that stems outwards from the 'SELF' to the roots of family and community beyond.
*The Gallery Artwork below sequentially takes you through the Second Grade art course described above. Students use pattern, emphasis, texture and form as the basis for creating artwork that excites the eye and captivates the imagination...
Artwork shown: 2nd grade students from Marengo Elementary; Arroyo Vista Elementary
2nd Grade: Spirits of Earth & Sky
Mythology: Chinese / Inuit Influence
Immersed in the symbolism of mythical tales, students explore the majestic power of 'the peacock' as an emblem of immortality and rebirth; the cherished tale of 'the rabbit in the moon' in Chinese culture; the meaning behind one's Chinese Zodiac Sign as a perception of oneself; and Sedna--the Inuit 'Frozen Sea Goddess'--as creator and protector of all sea mammals from the heartless ambitions of the hunter. Inspired by exquisite Chinese silk-screen paintings and the bold expressiveness of Inuit sculpture, students embark on a mythical journey to understand the cultural significance of these creatures of Earth and Sky. Beginning with the effusive power of lines in printmaking, students draw, trace and press strutting peacocks whose radiant plumage represents the sun's fiery decent out of darkness at dawn. Students then, sensitively, paint with thin brushes, India ink, and watercolors to create the illusion of space by inking a Chinese Zodiac animal (that fits their character) within a distant, watery moon that is overlapped by long, wispy grasses, blown India-ink lines and dotted flowers to resemble a silhouetted cherry-blossom tree in the foreground. From 2-D to 3-D, students sculpt their own variations of Sedna--Goddess of the Frozen Arctic Ocean--as part human-part sea mammal (either Seal, Walrus or Whale) in clay, pressed with sea shells to create texture, then adorned on the body for character.
The all-grade level culminating art project turns a child's mythological scrutiny inwards. After hearing the empowering story, The Dot, students create meaningful mandalas that emphasize the 'specialness and uniqueness of Self' at its center. Using personal, symbolic treasures placed at the heart of their art piece, students then trace radial-symmetric patterns onto tie-dyed, translucent gauze-fabric through carbon sheets, then overlay gold fabric-paint to create an embossed effect that reveals an overall visual balance and unity. Each child's mandala represents a constructed mythology that stems outwards from the 'SELF' to the roots of family and community beyond.
*The Gallery Artwork below sequentially takes you through the Second Grade art course described above. Students use pattern, emphasis, texture and form as the basis for creating artwork that excites the eye and captivates the imagination...
Artwork shown: 2nd grade students from Marengo Elementary; Arroyo Vista Elementary
Project 1: Printmaking-- Majestic Peacocks
Project 2: Watercolor / India Ink-- Chinese Zodiac Moons
Project 3: Clay Sculpture-- Sedna-inspired, Inuit Frozen Sea Gods/Goddesses
Project 4: Watercolor / Ink-- Mandalas
