Hermit Crab Homes

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Hermit Crab Homes using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (cylinder, cone, pyramid), and texture (rough smooth) inspired by Japanese Artist (1938-Present) Aki Iomata
• Use ceramic techniques (coil method, slab method, slip and score) and design principles (composition repetition proportion) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Three Dimensional (space defined through the dimensions of height, width, and depth)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start 

1.  White Chapel (2014) Aki Inomata

2. Read A House for a Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

3. Discussion Questions "Should artists draw boundaries between art and personal life? How do you think people react to her work? Why not hand over a shelter to a hermit crab? What is a hermit crab? What is a natural habitat for a Hermit Crab? How do these different animals move through the ocean? What is a habitat? Which sea animal and habitat might a hermit crab want to use for its next habitat? What ways are you like a hermit crab? Which animals were in the story?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Add lines for proportions (head, pinches, shell) within the silhouette of the hermit crab sculptures

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) for the positive space (body) of the hermit crab sculptures 

3. Use modeling tools to draw facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Hermit Crab Homes

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Hermit Crab Homes for Assigned Tables

2. Satoyama (2018) Aki Inomata

3. Discussion Questions "What is a Hermit Crab? How small or larger can Hermit Crabs grow? How many varieties of Hermit Crab are there? How long can Hermit Crabs live? Why do Hermit Crabs need shells? Why did the artist use those colors and background for the Hermit Crab? Why do you think is beautiful about this artwork? What can you learn from viewing this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Hermit Crab Homes

2. Add details (patterns, gills, swirls) to the positive space (body) of the hermit crab sculptures

3. Use modeling tools (brush grip paddle) to smooth out the facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) of the Hermit Crab Homes

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Hermit Crab Homes for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (rubber mat, paintbrushes, water bucket)

Lesson Activities

1. Add tempera paint (red yellow orange) to the positive space (body) of the hermit crab sculptures

2. Add tempera paint (blue green purple) to the negative space (beach) of the hermit crab sculptures

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial proportions, facial features, and accessories of the Hermit Crab Homes

Artist Examples

Student Examples