Inanimate Object Sculpture and Photography

"Gilbert Legend"

His whimsical series of sculptures turn objects we use in our daily lives, such as corkscrews, zippers, faucets and spray bottles, into hilariously lively anthropomorphic characters, some of which seem to personify the object itself simply by using elements of the original object as part of the character design.  The assignment was for students to turn their inanimate object into something creative.  Students were asked to "trick" the viewer into what they saw, while still being able to see the original inanimate object.

This lesson is a mixture of an innovative sculpture project, set and scene construction, as well as photography.  Here is what 7th grade students came up with.

 

Glove

 

Metal Spoon

 

Coffee Cup

 

Chess Pieces

 

Spray Bottle

 

Soap Bottles

 

 

Stapler

 

 

Book

 

 

 Lids and Caps

 

 

 

Small World Photography

6th graders participated in an assignment to create an

 

 innovative artwork representing a miniature society creating

 

 the illusion of reality through scale while

 

expressing a visual short story. Using mixed media, story-

 

telling, photography, and a computer-based presentation the

 

students created their “Small World Photography” visual

 

 storyboard. This assignment is a combination of sculpture,

 

set design, photography, and photo editing.  Here is what the

 

6th graders created.

 

Surfboard Art

What’s the Problem?

WRV “design team” is looking for a fresh take on Virginia Beach surf culture. We need small groups of 8th graders to design prototypes of surfboard designs that will promote Virginia Beach. Our design team works together on the second floor of WRV—one person’s design is never chosen—it is always a collaborative effort. We expect you to work the same way.

As you develop your ideas, think about what represents Virginia Beach and will inspire a community of new surfers! The finished surf board paintings will be displayed at WRV.  Here is what our 8th grade students came up with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Displays

Youth Art Month at the Museum of Contemporary Art

 

 

 

8th Grade Show at Zeke's Coffee Shop

 

 

High School/ Middle School Show at Pembroke Mall, VA Beach

 

 

6th and 7th grade "Night of the Art" Show 2015

 

 

 

 

Map Portraits

For this assignment, students study the effect of working on alternative surfaces - in this case, working with maps.  Students examine the possibilities and limitations of using maps in which to create a piece of art.  Students were introduced to several artists that used maps to create their works of art.  Students were asked to choose a map of a state or of the entire United States that they felt a connection to.  Students then found people that had a connection to the state they had selected.  For example, a student chose the New York State map and chose to do a portrait of Babe Ruth.  Another student chose the U.S. map and chose to illustrate Lincoln.  Students were then challenged to use the shapes of the land and water forms in the map to center their portraits around.  Here are some examples of what the 6th graders created.

 

 

 



Collage Art

Students worked with mixed media and collage for this assignment.  Students learned about different artists that used collage in their own workings, such as Picasso and Matisse. Students then were required to pick a realistic subject matter of their own choosing.  Students could choose between such things as landscapes, animals, still life objects, and people to represent in the collage manner.  Students were asked to use magazine clippings, fabric clippings, construction paper pieces and any other small pieces of paper that they could fit into their piece.  Here are some examples of what the 7th graders came up with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Zeke's 8th grade Show

Students were given the opportunity to sell their artwork this past February at a local business. Students worked with the "sales" side of the art making process through this exhibit.  Students learned how to properly mat, tag, and price their artwork.