Folk art in the sky.

Simple and pure in form, folk art appeals to younger students because they identify with its whimsical qualities. At least that is true of my students when introduced to the work of contemporary folk artist Ivan Barnett.

I have a wonderful collection of Barnett's tin cutouts from the 1980s. His animals and other shapes are reminiscent of those found in early American textiles, paintings, and other classic folk art. His cutouts are flat silhouettes cut from weathered tin roofs and distressed sheet metal. Although I do not own one of his weathervanes, all of the cutouts in my collection would adapt nicely to form weathervanes. I decided to ask my students to draw a weathervane, by either tracing one of Barnett's shapes, or creating their own silhouette suitable for a weathervane. They were also asked to develop a pattern on their drawings using the elements of design of the American flag--red, white, and blue stars and stripes.

While studying examples of Barnett's work, we discussed weathervanes and their interesting place in history. Replaced in our country with modern technology, weathervanes were once important instruments in farming and seafaring communities. Weathervanes were sometimes put together by untrained farmers with whatever materials were laying around their barns, but many were made by skilled blacksmiths and artisans. Weathervanes are still found atop barns and houses, always a pleasant sight dotting the skies above rural properties.

Students were given 18" x 24" (45.7 x 61 cm) white drawing paper and pencils. They were instructed to fill most of the space with their drawings, allowing plenty of surface for developing their patriotic patterns. Only one other shape was allowed in their designs: a heart, because it is abundant in early American folk art and Barnett's designs. Students colored their designs with red and blue markers, leaving white paper to complete the color scheme. I cautioned students to compensate for the large conical tips of markers while drawing their designs with pencils.

Strong in profile, the weathervanes took on dynamic presence as patterns hugged the contours of the animals' bodies. It was interesting to observe flesh pattern ideas based on the limited design elements of the flag. Many of the designs acquired a three-dimensional look as the students compensated for curves and other challenges presented by the shapes of their weathervanes.

Once students completed their drawings, I demonstrated technique in painting sky and clouds using tempera. Special care would be given not to interfere with the drawings as the markers would run and blur. We looked out the windows for cloud formations, but had better luck that day with pictures. During the demonstration, I reminded them how to hold and care for brushes and reviewed how to mix paint. We used a simple palette of fluorescent blue and white, producing clear blues and billowing white clouds.

Combining early American folk art forms with the elements of design of our American flag proposed an exciting challenge for my students. They produced designs familiar in patriot theme, yet uniquely their own in design. During the project students brought in sweaters, T-shirts, napkins, mugs, and other items decorated with various interpretations of the flag's design. They even announced sightings of weathervanes on top of some of our local buildings that had previously gone unnoticed.

Once completed, the paintings hung in the school hallways for everyone to enjoy. Viewing them as a group, one is struck by the diversity of interpretations of a common theme. The paintings coax a smile from the viewer, perhaps for an era gone by.

Barbara Silverstein is an elementary art teacher at Assumption School in Morristown, New Jersey.

WEB LINKS

www.patina-gallery.com/ SHOWS/ivan/ivan_title.HTML 

NATIONAL STANDARD

Students explore and understand prospective content for works of art.