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Kindergarten: The Magic of Roots
Mythology: Hindu Influence
Inspired by the power of a DOT (bindu) in Hindu culture as the simplest symbol of wholeness, young children learn that the DOT can metaphorically represent the possibility of growth… the starting point from which all things evolve… from a seed to a root; from a dot to a line. Like a tiny mustard seed growing into a larger plant, the primary root of the plant is the foundation that anchors the seedling as the root pushes down into the soil, searching the darkness for nutrients and a foothold on viable ground. The power of the DOT, the seed, the roots that anchor, and the plant that thrives, all begin a tangible dialogue and natural springboard for young artists to: press and roll their own whimsical prints of plant-life; animate vegetables that 'come to life' as the stars of a watercolored-fantasy garden, inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit; and sculpt clay lotus blossom flower-spirits as symbols of purity and wisdom in India and the far east.
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, shells, and flower petals, students affix those elements onto tie-dyed, translucent gauze-fabric in radial-symmetric patterns to reveal 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 Galley Artwork below sequentially takes you through the Kindergarten art course described above. What beauty and mastery rests within such capable and informed young minds, hearts and hands....
Artwork shown: Kindergarten students from Marengo Elementary; Arroyo Vista Elementary
Kindergarten: The Magic of Roots
Mythology: Hindu Influence
Inspired by the power of a DOT (bindu) in Hindu culture as the simplest symbol of wholeness, young children learn that the DOT can metaphorically represent the possibility of growth… the starting point from which all things evolve… from a seed to a root; from a dot to a line. Like a tiny mustard seed growing into a larger plant, the primary root of the plant is the foundation that anchors the seedling as the root pushes down into the soil, searching the darkness for nutrients and a foothold on viable ground. The power of the DOT, the seed, the roots that anchor, and the plant that thrives, all begin a tangible dialogue and natural springboard for young artists to: press and roll their own whimsical prints of plant-life; animate vegetables that 'come to life' as the stars of a watercolored-fantasy garden, inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit; and sculpt clay lotus blossom flower-spirits as symbols of purity and wisdom in India and the far east.
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, shells, and flower petals, students affix those elements onto tie-dyed, translucent gauze-fabric in radial-symmetric patterns to reveal 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 Galley Artwork below sequentially takes you through the Kindergarten art course described above. What beauty and mastery rests within such capable and informed young minds, hearts and hands....
Artwork shown: Kindergarten students from Marengo Elementary; Arroyo Vista Elementary
Project 1: Printmaking-- Seed > Root > Life
Project 2: Watercolor / Collage-- "One Day in the Garden..."
Project 3: Clay Sculpture-- The Lotus Blossom
Project 4: Watercolor / Mixed Media-- Organic Mandalas
