Embodiment: The Self as Object

Overview and Objectives
Object as Self PDF

If you could describe yourself with an object, what would you be?

Sometimes our intuitive self will name the object before we know why.

Using objects as metaphors for personal exploration often take us somewhere extraordinary in terms of understanding ourselves and how we relate to the world. The design of objects (natural or manufactured) have numerous factors which might influence our choice: shape, size, color, form, texture, function. All can unlock a fascinating journey though self-discovery if we pursue some or all of these formal elements and our reasoning behind them

Activities

Choose an object related to key work PERSON, a toy, figurine, or something unexpected like a coffee pot, tool or other functional device that mirrors human form. The object must be aesthetically pleasing, interesting and small enough to bring the to class and work with as a still life object. Reflecting on the examples of Idols and Iconography from various world religions taking into consideration of the various cultures, symbols, colors, aesthetics and general design sensibilities, students will create a new work of art first by choosing the object, than asking how does this represent me, the culture I live in, and all that I identify with?

Through a series of sequential assignments students will explore the concept of Icon.

1. Field Trip to the Brooklyn Museum for research. (Thursday October 26th)

2. Select small object you relate to from your everyday life.

3. Use a simple light source and take a series of pictures consider and iconic P.O.V.

4. Create a linear drawing then, Transfer your line Drawing to Bristol Board. Bring drawing of to object and object to class.

 

5. Be prepared to Paint a version in Watercolor and gouache exploring color. This first version should be painted very realistically.- Scan this realistic version. (We will work on this in class, Tuesday October 31st.)

6 . Alter and Abstract, create three new versions that explore the psychology of color using Photoshop We will learn how to ability to isolate and simplify shapes and alter colors, as well as backgrounds.

Materials and Methods

Illustration Board or Bristol, Pencil, Ink, Gouache, Cliplight, Camera, Scanner, Photoshop, Illustrator

Other Resources

Presentations:

Art of World Religions: Women (Venus) of Willendorf, Egyptian, Byzantine, Buddhist and Hindu, Christianity, Islam, and Idols of worship cross-culturally

Native American Cultures of the Aztec, Mayan and Olmec,

Contemporary Artist: Kehinde Wiley, Judy Chicago, Mickalene Thomas, Andy Warhol, Jim Shaw

Evaluation

Present for critique:

Line Drawing Due: Tuesday October 31st

Painted Version Due: Nov. 2th

3 New Versions, Altered via Photoshop,
Printed out as well posted on Learning Portfolio: Due Nov. 7th
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