Clay Talavera Armadillos
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Clay Talavera Armadillo 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 Mexican Artisan (1950-Present) Jacobo Angles and Mexican Artisan (1950-Present) Maria Angeles Fernandez Cuesta
- Use sculpture techniques (carving, casting, modeling, assembling) and design principles (balance, emphasis, proportion) based on Mexican Ceramics
- Define Folk Art (artwork made by regional people who preserve one's own personal history, traditions, and culture through art)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Totem (1973) Jacobo and Maria Angeles
2. Read Armadillo Ray by John Beifuss
3. Discussion Questions "Why did the Aztecs call the armadillo the turtle rabbit? How do armadillos find insect food below the ground even when being deaf and blind? What element of art and principle of design are found in folk art? What are some possible purposes for creating ceramics (decorative, utilitarian, celebrations)? What are some differences between Talavera ceramics, everyday plates, and kitchenware? What are the traditional and artistic aspects of Talavera ceramics? How do artist tell a story with ceramics? How does the artist use color and pattern to help tell a story? What is Armadillo Ray most curious about? How does Armadillo Ray interact with his friends? What are some of the lessons or themes explored in the story through Armadillo Ray's perspective?"
Lesson Activities
1. Turn clay slab into basic shapes (head, torso, arms, legs) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
2. Use modeling tools to draw features (clothing, jewelry, accessories) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
3. Add line for the facial features (nose, eyes, mouth) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Talavera Armadillos for Assigned Tables
2. Little Armadillo (1973) Jacobo and Maria Angeles
3. Discussion Questions "What questions does Armadillo Ray have about the moon? Who are Armadillo Ray's desert animal friends? What are some of the fanciful ideas his friends have about the moon? Who does Armadillo Ray meet that helps him understand the moon? What does Armadillo Ray learn about the moon from the owl? What is the afterward in the book about? How does the story illustrate the phases of the moon? What is the role of the moon in legends around the world, according to the afterward? What kind of personality does Armadillo Ray have? What are some of Armadillo Ray's distinguishing features?What was his relationship with the owl in the story? What is the title of the book? Who wrote the book? What type of illustrations are used in the book? What is the overall tone or message of the book?"
Lesson Activities
1. Add lines for proportions (head, torso, arms, legs) within the silhouette (figure, foreground) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, crescent ears, big eyes, round body) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
3. Use needle tools to draw features (eyes, nose, mouth, shell, nails) for the positive space (foreground, animal) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Clay Talavera Armadillos for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (paint brushes, water buckets, tempera paint)
Lesson Activities
1. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the positive space (foreground) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
2. Add tempera paint with color combinations (complementary colors, analogous colors, earth tones) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial features, facial proportions, and accessories of the Clay Talavera Armadillos
Artist Examples
Student Examples
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