Clay Alien Sculptures
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Alien Sculpture using ceramic techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by UFO newspaper clippings
- Use sculpture techniques (carving, casting, modeling, assembling) and design principles (balance, proportion, emphasis) based on Extraterrestrial Art
- Define Anthropomorphic (a depiction of non-human entities (animals, objects, deities) with human characteristics, traits, behaviors, or appearances)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. The Annunciation With Saint Emidius (1486) Carlo Crivelli
2. Read Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
3. Discussion Questions "What signs of life do scientists use to look for life in other worlds? What traits will your alien have to survive various environmental conditions? Do you believe we are the only living beings in the universe? If we are not, what does life look like on other planets? Do you think similar characteristics would be needed for plant or animal life on another planet? What can you add to your space ship to make it a place you and your friend would feel safe? What could you add to your spaceship to make it a place you and your friends would feel conformable traveling in? What do you think it would be like to leave Earth and travel to far away planets? Which activities would you explore with your friends and how might you go about them in space? What would you bring with you when meeting your new space friend? How would the friends you are travelling with get along with your new space friend? How would the friends you are traveling with get along if there were any struggles? What makes your space friend a good travel buddy to have in your friendship group?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slab into basic shapes (head, shoulder, neck) for the positive space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (clothing, jewelry, make up) for the positive space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
3. Add lines for the facial features (nose, eyes, mouth) for the positive space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Alien Sculptures for Assigned Tables
2. Baptism Of Christ (1710) Aert de Gelder
3. Discussion Questions "Do you think aliens could live on other planets, moon, or even in space? What do scientists think about aliens? Do you think aliens could be similar or different from us? Would aliens be friendly or scary? What would happen if you met an alien? What does the term UFO stand for? What tools do scientists use to find aliens? What is important to you in a friendship? What will you remember most from your imagined journey in space with your friends? Did you learn anything new from your friend? Did they learn anything from you? What can be helpful when we have difficulties with friends? What are some ways you can share and understand different opinions? How can friendships can as we get older?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, neck, shoulders) within the silhouette of the Clay Alien Sculptures
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, crescent ears, rectangle neck) for the positive space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
3. Use needle to draw facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) within the silhouette of the Clay Alien Sculptures
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Alien Sculptures for Assigned table
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, needle tools, rubber mat)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (analogous colors, complementary colors, primary colors) to positive space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, primary colors) to the negative space (foreground, alien) of the Clay Alien Sculptures
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Alien Sculptures
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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