Learning Objectives

Students will be able to combine both aesthetic and conceptual considerations into a cohesive work of art. Students will demonstrate excellent craftsmanship through the use of a variety of materials and methods of construction. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the work of the artist Joseph Cornell and Surrealism.

Materials

Wooden box at least 8” by 8”. The smaller the box, the more involved your piece needs to be. Try to find an old used one.
Wood glue and/or hot glue
Various found objects. Suggestions include photographs, maps, toys, strings, pins, etc. Be creative! Stay away from broken mirrors, fake blood, glitter and feathers.

Time

On Calendar

Homework

Studio Work
5 Sketches in sketchbook

Process

Students will create a self-portrait using the artist Joseph Cornell for inspiration. After researching his work and the work of others using the links below, students should start gathering materials and sketching out ideas. Your wooden box will serve as your canvas for this project.

Your box may need to be covered or stained to make it fit with the rest of your chosen materials. You can paint it and then sand it to create a weathered look or cover it in newspaper and stain it to give it a texture. You could also use stains to change the color of the wood. You may also cut sections away or add parts back to your box. You can add drawers or cut out holes for the viewer to engage with.

Using your collected materials, create a three-dimensional collage that illustrates your-self or at least part of who you are. You may include your beliefs about politics, religion, relationships, art, economics or anything that makes up you.

You can use any type of glue or pins to attach your collected items to your box, just make sure everything looks clean. If you can see hot glue and it is not part of the work, get rid of it.

When creating your box, think about the visual and conceptual connections between each element. They should work together and pull the viewer’s eyes around the work.

Resources

http://www.pem.org/sites/cornell/imagination.html
Joseph Cornell Images
josephcornellbox.com
Wikipedia
Jospeh Cornell YouTube