Clay Neon Octopus
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Neon Octopus using ceramic techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), texture (actual, visual, implied), and form (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by Pop Surrealist (2002-Present) Scott Musgrove
- Use sculpture techniques (carving, modeling, casting, assemblage) and design principles (balance, repetition, emphasis) based on Pop Surrealism
- Define Pop Surrealism (art movement combining popular culture with surrealist techniques)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Walkopus Getting Out Of Town (2021) Scott Musgrove
2. Read The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy
3. Discussion Questions "What color should you paint the body? Did you know octopus are escape artists and puzzle solvers? Did you know octopus can open jars even if trapped inside? What will your octopus try to escape from, an aquarium or somewhere silly? How would you dress to camouflage yourself in a movie theater or soccer field? What does an animal's camouflage tell you about its habitat? What similarities do you notice between these two artists? What differences do you notice between these two artists? What colors do you think an octopus can be? Can octopus be neon colors? Are there any stories about octopus escaping from aquariums?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay into basic shapes (head, eyes, body, tentacles) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
2. Use modeling tools to design features (clothing, accessories, eyelashes, mouth) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
3. Add lines for the facial features (tentacles, eyes, mouth) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Neon Octopus for Assigned Tables
2. Twilight Barge (2024) Scott Musgrove
3. Discussion Questions "Where is the setting of the story located? Why does the sea turtle dive "down, down, down"? How does the cloud of ink protect the octopus? Why does the author use "blast off" to describe the octopus escape? Which simile is used in the book multiple times? Which word is an example of an onomatopoeia? How does the octopus get away from the sea turtle? How does camouflage help the octopus? Why do octopus spray ink? What does shallow mean in this passage? What do these animals have in common? What is this passage mostly about? What is the secret weapon the octopus uses against the eel? What type of figurative language is shown in this story? Why are octopus considered such good escape artists? What strategies do octopus use to escape? Are there any famous examples of octopus escaping? What are some of the risks octopus face when escaping?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, eyes, tentacles, body) within the silhouette (figure, foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, crescent eyes, round body) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
3. Use needle tools to design features (eyes, mouth, tentacles, patterns) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Neon Octopus for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (modeling tools, water bucket, rubber mat)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, neon colors) to the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Neon Octopus
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, neon colors) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Neon Octopus
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, proportions, and accessories of the Clay Neon Octopus
Artist Examples
Student Examples
Posts
