Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the visual element texture and the visual principle pattern / movement.
2. Demonstrate an exploration of various materials and appropriate use of those materials.
3. Demonstrate an investigation of non-traditional art materials.
Mini-Assignment
1. In your sketchbook, write down as many different materials and ideas as you can think of. You should have at least 10 before coming to class.
2. Experiment with the materials you’ve chosen.
3. Look at the artists, videos and images linked below.
4. Read over the section on pattern and texture to the right under Elements and Principles.
Major-Assignment
The work of art you create must be repetitive in nature and no more then 3 inches deep and at least 3 feet in one direction. Since this is a 2 dimensional course, the work should primarily be physically flat.
Materials
Any materials. Explore paint, marker, pen, cut paper, graphite, foam…Take a walk through Home Depot, the Dollar Store, fabric producers, fabric aisle…
Time
3 classes
Info
Pattern and texture are often overlooked as simply supportive parts of a work of art, however they can be used as the work of art itself. Pattern can be afocal (no focal point) or can be combined with other areas of pattern to create multiple focal points. With graffiti moving more and more into mainstream art, pattern has been used to create impressive works of art. This will be your biggest work yet. You will have to think about the physical aspects of the work. If you make a piece that is 6 feet tall, how will it support itself? If you use wood instead of paper, will the end result still look the same, better or worse? I am looking for risk taking, creativity and an understanding of how pattern and texture can create visually engaging works of art.
Tips
Don’t try to force the materials to do something they are not meant to do. Do not try to force a concept onto your project. Do not try to plan everything out. DO allow time for mistakes. DO allow time for play. DO allow yourself to explore. DO be open to suggestions.
Process
The process will depend entirely on the materials you choose to work with. There are 1,000’s of ways to produce a work of art. I encourage you to explore materials and ideas before deciding on anything. Experimentation is a must. Play. See what works and what doesn’t. What are you drawn too? You figure out the material and I’ll help you figure out how to make it work. You could draw a shape or pattern, photo copy it 100 times, cut them out and glue them together to create a “sheet” of pattern. You could also play with enlarging or reducing the pattern on the photo copier. You could pour paint onto sheets of glass, let it dry then peel it off and use the dried paint as your work. You could create a 4 foot square of fertilizer and moss and let the moss pattern be your work. Essentially anything that can be repeated has potential. It’s how you take your given material and elevate it to another status is what separates the everyday from art.
Artists / Resources
Rebecca Murtaugh,Matthew Gehring, Frank McCauley, Carl Krull, Jaylon Israel Hicks, Robin F. Williams, Liza Lou, Nick Cave, Mark Bradford, Rashid Johnson, Glenn Ligon, Allan McCollum, Jessica Stockholder