Thursday, April 26, 2012

Steampunk Boxes

If you are not familiar with Steampunk as an art form, you are not alone.  It was not until last year that I was introduced by a student about this fascinating culture/art form.  It combines writings of author H.G. Wells and science fiction/fantasy.  Consider what the world's inventions would look like if we never progressed beyond steam technology.  If you can't picture it, just "Google it" and you will be amazed at the imagery.  More popular to students of today would be Lady Gaga.  Many of her stage costumes are fashioned after this every rising style. 

Students in Art 1 were given the chance to build a Steampunk box out of scrap matte board and duct tape. They then covered the box with polymer clay that they had stamped with rubber stamps both store bought and ones they had made from a previous assignment.  Students were encouraged to add found object such as wire, beads, broken pieces of watches, old keys, etc. All were finished with glazes of brown for leather and silver and gold dusting powder.  They students were enthralled!  With a few minor changes, this lesson will be a keeper.





Pencil v. Camera




Pencil vs. Camera assignments were an interesting mix.  I didn't think students would struggle with the technology as much as they did.  We assume because we see them texting throughout their day, that they are comfortable uploading photos.  Not always true.  Here are just a few more of the responses.