Ashley Bryan Collages

Learning Targets 

I can...

• Create an original Ashley Bryan Collage using drawing techniques learned in class
•  Use shape variation (circle triangle oval), line types (contour continuous outline) and space (positive negative) inspired by American Illustrator (1923-Present) Ashley Bryan 
• Use collage techniques (overlapping, cropping, layering) and design principles (contrast, movement, gradation) based on African American Art
• Define Collage (sticking various materials (paper photos fabric) together)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Beautiful Blackbird 2-3 (2002) Ashley Bryan

2. Read "Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals" by Ashley Bryan

3. Discussion Questions "How do people find purpose? What makes life worth living? Does this change as we get older? If so, how does life change? What inspires artists to create? Can art be used to help people? Do you know anyone older than ninety years old? What d you know about their life story? What questions would you like to ask a person who was born nearly one hundred years ago? What comes to mind when students hear the word "artist"? Can you think of any artists who make more than one form of art? How many mediums were mentioned in total? Did you name them all? What medium was your favorite?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use ordinary objects (buttons, shells, scrap paper) to fill in the negative space (background) of the paper collages

3. Use ordinary objects (buttons, shells, birds) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ashley Bryan Collages for Assigned Table

2. The More A Song Is Heard, The More It Is Appreciated (1999) Ashley Bryan 

3. Discussion Questions "What does Ashley Bryan mean when he describes himself this way in his poem? Is he childlike, and if so, how? Why might it be difficult for people to stay "childlike"? Did you notice any deeper meaning to Bryan's Beautiful Blackbrid book? Can stories like these be effective in sending messages about serious topics? Why or why not? What obstacles did Ashley Bryan overcome on his journey to become a successful artist? Have those obstacles influenced his art? Why does Ashley Bryan love to paint? Do any of these found objects have special meaning related to the subject?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add fabric (cloth, mesh) to fill in the positive space (middle ground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

2. Add stitching (running, basting, zigzag) to fill in the positive space (middle ground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

3. Add found objects (paper clips, twigs, pins) to fill in the positive space (middle ground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ashley Bryan Collages for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, printed paper, foam pieces)

Lesson Activities

1. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

2. Use shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Ashley Bryan Collages

3. Add embellishments (glitter, sequins, rhinestones) to the positive space (foreground) of the Ashley Bryan Collages 

Artist Examples

Student Examples