Project/Unit description/Expedition: Students will be exploring the purpose of masks, and how decoration, shape, and texture play a role in conveying that purpose. Students will be taking inspiration from masks of different cultures to design a mask of their own using plaster gauze.
Essential Understanding. Artists observe masks of different cultures to explore purpose in design. Artists explore purpose to create a work of art. Inquiry/Learning target. Given cultural examples, students will be able to create plaster masks that express purpose. Given time to plan sketches, students will be able to create their masks using a variety of building techniques.
Key Concept(s). Purpose, Culture, Personal Narrative, Techniques, Create
Skill(s). Create, Plan, Transfer, Problem Solve
Art Focus. Students will learn to build with plaster gauze and tin foil using a variety of building techniques. Students will take their 2D drawings and transfer them to 3D plaster creations. Literacy Focus. Students will discuss the intended purpose in their mask creation.
Documentation:
"I want to make my chin as long as in my paper mask." This student is accomplishing this by foil building techniques from the class demonstration.
"My mask is for parties so it is going to be a half mask." This student is working from an example of a half mask mask intended for Mardi Gras.
These students are using a variety of building methods. We discussed surface texture and the students are smoothing the wet plaster to create a soft look
This student has added ears and color to her preliminary sketches. She has "included the dog in her mask because he loves her dog and he is a huge part of her life"