Chinese Calligraphy

 The Art of Chinese Calligraphy
Today, we learned about Chinese Calligraphy.
 

Artists use a sumi paint brush to create their
art work.

 We used sumi brushes, sumi ink
and rice paper for this special project!

Chinese symbols are created by using a
certain order of paint strokes.

 We also learned to sign our work with a
picture that we created to represent
ourselves.

We used a printmaking process for our
symbol.

Here are some examples of what we studied:

Adinkra Cloth

Another fun day in Lakeview's art room!     Today we worked on finishing our Mexican yarn art by completely  filling in our yarn art wall hangings.

We also started our next project....creating an African Adinkra Cloth!   We began by learning all about the fabric art of Ghana, Africa.

We used found objects (cork, cardboard, and even celery!) and paint to create prints on paper. We focused on patterns and line designs.   Today was spent practicing working with the stamps and patterns.  

Initially the cloths were made for royalty to be worn at religious ceremonies. Adinkra cloth is decorated with
traditional symbols that covey the thoughts and feelings of the person wearing them. The fabric of adinkra cloth is divided into squares by lines drawn using a bark dye and then stamped with gourds that have been carved with designs.

Mexican Yarn Art

We had a great first class today!   We have a room full of enthusiastic artists.

Today we learned about Mexican Yarn Art! 

 Huitchol Indians in Mexico created beautiful yarn paintings.  They melted wax in the sun on wood boards and pressed the yarn into the soft wax.  This process takes patience!
The yarn paintings are created for two purposes:  for religious purposes and to sell.
The deer is an important symbol and frequently seen in yarn art.  Much of the subject matter fo rthe yarn paintings is based on natural subjects.

We used tag board and glue to replicate the method of the Huichol Indians.

It's a great idea to send a snack to school with your child for Smart with Art.  They will be given a chance to eat their snack at the beginning of class.

Carl and I will be collecting all your students' artwork (we hope to get a bulletin board in the building so we can display their hard work).   Art will be going home with your child at the end of the session.    Please let us know if you would prefer to take your child's work home earlier.   Likewise, if you'd like to purchase a portfolio, we are happy to order one for you.
17 x 22 x 2" Portfolios
2.5 Star Rated:  Earth-friendly, 100% recycled fiber w/ vellum coating and webbed handle portfolio, basic yet less durable:  $10.00.
5 Star Rated:  Black, polypropolene, molded handle w/ inside pocket and strap portfolio, basic yet more durable:  $20.00.

We will order as soon as we receive payment - will have within 10 days.  Checks can be made to Smart with Art.

Lastly, tons of thanks to our parent volunteer, Kristi Caggiano, for assisting with attendance and a myriad of other duties that have made our first class run smoothly.