Expressing feelings through photo collage.Current construction of a new Middle School in Bay Village, Ohio Bay Village is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. The population was 16,087 at the 2000 census. Geography Bay Village is located at (41.484193, -81.926581)GR1. became inspiration for a group of seventh grade students who had been identified as talented in the visual arts visual arts npl → artes fpl plásticas visual arts npl → arts mpl plastiques visual arts npl → . After being invited to work with these students and having recently done a series in photo collage collage (kəläzh`, kō–) [Fr.,=pasting], technique in art consisting of cutting and pasting natural or manufactured materials to a painted or unpainted surface—hence, a work of art in this medium. of favorite places in Cleveland, it was determined that a photo collage of the old and the slowly emerging new Bay Middle School would be a good medium of expression for the seventh graders. Having taught visual art for sixteen years in Bay Middle School, it became a special place for me and it was easy to help inspire students to use the school for subject matter. The photo workshop was supported by the Bay Village Education Foundation and the Bay Middle School Parent, Teacher and Student Association. One Step at a Time 1. Students were excused for special school times to participate in this photo-collage workshop. The first meeting introduced students to major art photographers, such as Ansel Adams. They also viewed completed examples of photo collage and works in progress. 2. Students were asked to identify areas in the completed work where they observed application of compositional design such as use of balance, differentiating between symmetry and asymmetry Asymmetry A lack of equivalence between two things, such as the unequal tax treatment of interest expense and dividend payments. ; use of diagonal composition; evidence of movement with shape or color; contrast with light and dark; and high or low horizon. 3. Various photo-collage approaches were demonstrated: a cut photo collaged on top of another, two or more photos cut and collaged on black matt board, possible photo border considerations. 4. Students brainstormed subject matter for their photographs. Some possibilities were: * favorite place in current school * favorite place outside of building but on campus * most colorful location in building most calm, peaceful or quiet area * favorite time of day at BMS BMS abbr. Bachelor of Marine Science favorite season at BMS * location of a great BMS memory * coziest location * safest spot * location of best educational space * new building construction site Students were encouraged to take more than one photograph of a selected area. This could provide extras to allow for error, e.g., in cutting, glue application, clarity, angle, or vantage point. 5. Students: * photographed their choice of subject matter on their own time and had film developed * selected photos for collage * planned composition * cut photos; numbered pieces if necessary for order of use in composition * used small paper cutters or X-acto knives to cut photos used fine cuticle cuticle /cu·ti·cle/ (ku´ti-k'l) 1. a layer of more or less solid substance covering the free surface of an epithelial cell. 2. eponychium (1). 3. a horny secreted layer. scissors scissors Cutting instrument or tool consisting of a pair of opposed metal blades that meet and cut when the handles at their ends are brought together. Modern scissors are of two types: the more usual pivoted blades have a rivet or screw connection between the cutting ends to cut around imagery for collage * used drafting tape Drafting Tape, also known as "the second most useful tape in the world", is similar to duct tape in that is has a wide variety of uses, but differs in several key areas.
* waited to glue until major parts were determined * planned for storage between meeting times (envelopes/boxes) * used color pencil on the edges after cutting to cover white edge line * used glue sticks appropriate for photographs; used scraps of white paper under photo when rubbing rubbing, v creating friction and heat by drawing the hands across the body at varying speeds, rhythms, and depths. Benefits include muscle elongation, tension release, and increased flexibility. glue on back of photo; (It's important to change paper for each glue application.) * rubbed glue on black mat board; both the back of the photo and the surface of the collage piece need glue * used pointed tweezers tweezers An instrument with pincers used to grasp or extract. See Optical tweezers. (if necessary) to lift photo to attach to accurate location * used fresh paper scrap on top to press glued piece to base Presenting Results Upon completion of the art, the students' work was matted and exhibited at the Bay Village County Library. The exhibit began with a Saturday afternoon opening, an article in the local newspaper, and numerous visitors. The artwork combining student's interpretation of meaningful and memorable Bay Middle School environments with intellectual design concepts, continues to cause viewers to nod with recognition or to frequently react with a smile. NATIONAL STANDARD Students select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas. Marge Widmar is a retired art educator, formerly with the Bay Village City School District in Bay Village, Ohio, and is an adjunct faculty member at Lorain County Community College Lorain County Community College is a community college located in the city of Elyria in Lorain County, Ohio, which is part of the Northeast Ohio region. LCCC specializes in workforce development and initiating business relationships. in Elyria, Ohio “Elyria” redirects here. For the town in Kansas, see Elyria, Kansas. Elyria is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Lorain CountyGR6. . scar@stratos.net |
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