Editor's Letter: Structure

In the simplest terms, structure is the arrangement and organization of related parts according to a plan or pattern. Though the concept of structure can be applied to many things, for the purpose of this issue, our studio lessons primarily focus on 3D art and architecture. It is invaluable for students of all ages to explore the concept of structure through 3D experiences. Students unsure of their drawing skills may turn out to be quite adept at working in three dimensions, but all students are likely to find it novel and engaging.

First-Grade Art Museum

It started with an industrial stove box that was double-thick and just tall enough for the average first-grader to stand in. The moment it arrived in my art room, brainstorming began. Students imagined transforming the box into a kitchen, a playroom, a library, and an art studio. These ideas soon morphed into a collaborative multi-box art museum. For the next three months, students experienced the open-ended nature of the empty boxes as a playful challenge and deep learning experience.

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Sculpture Parks

Students discussed how what we might think of as trash can take on new life. Then, tying in geography, students used paper plates to create aerial maps of their sculpture parks using permanent markers and oil pastels. Because a park includes people, students had to design the space with visitors in mind. There had to be walkways and places for the sculptures to be built. Students also had to decide on a location for their park, considering the climate and other features. Creating this work with these extra factors in mind stepped up the possibilities for creative thinking.

Imagine This Town!

I challenged students to imagine a town and collaborate to build a large-scale physical model (about 9 x 9') of the town they envisioned. Throughout this activity, students reflected on the towns they live in and learned about some architecture, town-planning concepts, and challenges town planners and architects often face. Students eventually shared their work with planners from our town hall, located across the street from our school.

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Playing with Paper Icosahedrons

A little-known fact about me is that I was the captain of my high-school math team. So, it should come as no surprise that I love finding ways to incorporate mathematical concepts into my art lessons. One such project that has been incredibly successful over the years is printed paper icosahedrons, which give my seventh-grade students the opportunity to work in a variety of media to create a 3D sculpture.

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Steampunk Mosaics

I have a lot of recyclable materials in my art room and thus began searching for a way to use some of them in a lesson. Little did I know that I would end up with a bunch of new recyclable materials during this lesson! During my search, I came across an image of steampunk artwork on Instagram. Typically, steampunk is set during the Victorian era and is a blend of romanticism with steam-powered technology. I was inspired by these ideas to create a new and unique project for middle-school students.

Dolls & Masks

I first discovered the photographs of Ralph Eugene Meatyard at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2011. His exhibition Dolls and Masks had some of the creepiest and most beautiful photographs I had ever seen. I was there for three hours analyzing, decoding, and enjoying every single haunting image. Meatyard has said the reason he photographed family and friends wearing masks was to represent the masks we all wear for the camera. It’s a question I always pose to my students: “What are some of the masks that you personally wear for the camera?”

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Illuminated Animals

Scrolling through Pinterest a few summers ago, I came across a lantern sculpture project that was whimsical, beautiful, and often abstract. I researched how to build these sculptures and, surprisingly, there were few resources. Summer ended, the school year began, and this project was put on hold—until I came across an after-Christmas clearance sale at one of the big-box retail stores. I found boxes of 5' (1.5 m) strands of clear lights on sale for fifty cents each. I immediately thought of the lanterns and purchased all of the boxes. Three years after purchasing the light strands, I came across the dog sculptures of artist Marie-Astrid Montagnier and decided to have one of my Art 1 classes experiment with a process similar to hers. Finally, I had found a way to make my lantern vision come to light.

The Advocacy Planning Process

To begin an advocacy effort, either as an individual or as a team, you must first engage in a planning process of brainstorming, researching, and refining ideas, as well as projecting timelines and budgets. During this phase, all possibilities should be considered before focusing on the specifics of the advocacy efforts. With the plan well-articulated, you can then identify or develop the best process and tools for implementing the advocacy plan.

On Collaboration

Eridan is the collaborative effort of Brooklyn artists Eri King and Daniel Greer. Their multidisciplinary work includes drawing, painting, collage, fiber arts, video, sound, and performance. For Eridan, the focus of their artistic process is the conceptual exploration of collaboration, and by extension, its improvisational nature that facilitates the free-flowing exchange of ideas.

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