MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

Clay Suitcases

Learning Targets

I can... 

• Create an original Clay Suitcase using ceramic techniques learning in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual, visual, implied) inspired by French Sculptor (1960-Present) Bruno Catalano
• Use hand building techniques (pinching, coiling, scoring, slab building) and design principles (proportion, balance, composition) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Symbolism (the practice of using visible objects, colors, shapes, or figurines to represent invisible or abstract ideas such as emotions, beliefs, or spiritual concepts)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. A Man And A Woman (2026) Bruno Catalano

2. Read The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

3. Discussion Questions "If you could pack a tiny suitcase with things that represent you or a journey to a new place, what would be inside or on the outside? What would you not live without? What would you want just for fun? What would you take that reminds you of home? What do you think is in this suitcase? What could you fit in your own suitcase that would represent your possessions and life you would leave behind? How do artists use art to shed light on world events, inspire compassion, and action? If you were going on a long trip or moving to a new place, what are three or four things that you could not live without? How do Bruno Catalano's suitcase sculptures talk about how luggage symbolizes memories, journey, and emotion? Did you know that more than half of the world's refugees are children? What items on this list do you think you would not need to take with you? How can two suitcases look completely different even if they have the same shape?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) for the proportions (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (ovals, triangles, circles, squares) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases

3. Use needle tools to draw basic shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles) for the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcases) of the Clay Suitcases  

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Suitcases for Assigned Tables

2. The Travelers (2022) Bruno Catalano

3. Discussion Questions "What do you think is the best clay tool? Do you think that if I were to drop this clay piece, it would stay together? Can you create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional suitcase out of clay using techniques of scoring, slipping, cutting, and smoothing? Can you use specific colors to paint your suitcase realistic or abstract? Can you add at least two unique details to your suitcase by using texture or shapes? Can you participate in a discussion of how artists use clay? What shapes do you see in this suitcase sculpture? If you could touch this, what do you think it would feel like? How does the size of these suitcases compare to the real one? Why do you think the artist chose to make art out of something we use every day?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add basic shapes (triangles, ovals, circles, rectangles) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Suitcases

2. Add details (stickers, labels, travel pictures, patterns) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases

3. Use modeling tools (paddle, brush, grips) to smooth out the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Suitcases for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (rolling pins, rubber mats, air dry clay, modeling tools) 

Lesson Activities

1. Add color combinations (complementary, analogous, monochromatic) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases

2. Add color combinations (complementary, analogous, monochromatic) to the negative space (background) of the Clay Suitcases

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, suitcase) of the Clay Suitcases 

Artist Examples

Student Examples

 Olimpia Zagnoli Illusions

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Olimpia Zagnili Illusions using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Italian Artist (1984-Present) Olimpia Zagnoli
• Use graphic design techniques (typography, page layout, interactive design, display elements) and design principles (emphasis, contrast, balance) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Focal Point (the center of interest of an artwork that the viewer notices first)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. NASA: The Stars Are Calling And We Must Go (2019) Olimpia Zagnoli

2. Read A Kid's Book About Design by Jason Mayden

3. Discussion Questions "Why is art important? What role does art play in our society? why value is placed upon artists and their art? What makes something a work of art? Is art defined by boundaries? If so, what are they and how have they changed over the course of history? What is the role of the artist? How has this role changed over time? What distinguishes visual art from other forms of visual communication like advertising, design, or photojournalism? Who decides what a work of art means- the artist, the critic, or the viewer? What ar the subjects, issues, and themes important to artists working today? In addition to museums and galleries, what else can art be shown? How does the location or context of a work of art affect its meaning? why role does beauty play in contemporary art? Does a work of art need to be beautiful? Why or why not? Where do artists find inspiration?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper 

2. Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to draw positive space (flower) of the hand drawings 

3. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the Olimpia Zagnoli Illusions

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Olimpia Zagnoli Illusions for Assigned Tables

2. La Repubblica (2014) Olimpia Zagnoli 

3. Discussion Questions "What elements of this artwork seem real? What adjectives would you use to describe this artwork? What verbs would you use to describe this artwork? What elements seem dreamlike or imaginary? What is strange about this artwork? What is exciting about this artwork? What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? If you could ask the artist a question, what would you ask her? Why do you think the artwork was created? Why do you say that? How do you think the artist feels about the final product? How do you think this artwork was made? Why do you think the artist made this artwork? What do you think the artist is trying to say in this artwork?'

Lesson Activities

1. Add shape variation (geometric, organic, are form) to the negative space (background) of the hand drawings

2. Use patterns (swirls, zig zags, stripes) to add a design to the negative space (background) of the hand drawings

3. Use watercolor to blend patterns (swirls stripes zig zags) for the negative space (background) of the Olimpia Zagnoli Illusions

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Olimpia Zangoli Illusions for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (watercolor, erasers, pencils) 

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, secondary, complementary) for positive space (foreground) of the hand drawings

2. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to the positive space (foreground) of the hand drawings

3. Add illusion of depth by adding details (glitter, petals, background) to the positive space (foreground) of the Olimpia Zagnoli Illusions

Artist Examples

Student Examples