3D Cardboard Relief Sculptures Inspired by Frank Stella

The Fifth Graders Studied the Pop Art of Frank Stella. They learned how he wanted his paintings to look dimensional and eventually created sculptures working with corrugated steel. He composed some dynamic relief pieces with unusual shapes and bright colors. Inspired by those sculptures, the students drew concentric shapes on corrugated cardboard. The shapes were cut and painted solid and then patterned. Additional patterns were added with craypas, then the pieces were assembled with spacers to create more depth and finally the students collaged all sorts of fun items on top. This project has many layers and steps and the 3D sculptures are fascinating to see.

Claes Oldenburg inspired Sandwiches

We studied the whimsical Pop-Art of Claes Oldenburg and read a funny and strange pop-up book Sam's Sandwich by David Pelham. Inspired by both, the students of 9C created realistic looking non-edible sandwich art using foam, paper, fabric, glue and even handmade frilly toothpicks.

William Steig Storybook Figures

As the 5th graders did an author study of William Steig in their ELA class, they learned about the artist William Steig in the Artroom. The students then got to create a storybook "bottle figure" based on their favorite Steig character. The base is made from a recycled water bottle and newspaper, first covered in plaster and then adorned with paint, fabric and other assorted collage supplies.  

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Ceramic Dried Flower Hangings

The 4th Graders made red clay wall hangings to hold dried flowers. They rolled clay slabs, created unique shapes and textures and folded it up to form a little pocket for the flowers.

Ceramic Fish Bowls

In the Art Studio, the Kindergarteners traced and cut fish shapes from clay slabs, and then drew patterns on them. They created bases by attaching a ring to the bottom using scoring and slipping. After the fish were fired in our kiln, the students glazed them, learning the difference between glaze and paint. As inspiration, we read The Rainbow Fish and Fish is Fish, two classic fish tales. 

One Point Perspective Surreal Scapes

The 8th graders studied Surrealistic Art and the techniques of creating three-dimensional shapes with one-point perspective. Using colored pencil, they created surrealistic landscapes with shapes floating in a background of their design.

Collaborative Totem Pole

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After studying the Native American Culture, the boys of 9C each worked on a Totem face made from big canisters and odds and ends covered in newspaper and papier mache. They painted each face and then we stacked it together for results they were very proud of. 

3D Greek Vases

Using recycled cardboard and paper-mache, the 5^th graders created three-dimensional Greek vases. Viewing samples of Ancient Greek red and black bisqueware and taking inspiration from their in-class lessons, the students depicted a central figure on their vase inspired by Greek mythology , accompanied by patterns and motifs. Their creations will be on display for the Greek Symposium. 

 

 

Recycled Cardboard Relief Sculptures ala Louise Nevelson

We looked at the art of artist Louise Nevelson. She assembled Abstract sculptures from found objects on the streets and in junkyards. These assemblages, created with recycled treasures, are inspired by her.

 

 

 

Calder Wire Sculptures

As part of the 3rd grade Calder unit, they made wire circus figures. After twisting the wire into a body shape, the kids added more wire, pipe cleaners, yarn, beads and more to create unique 3-d wire sculptures. They decorated wooden bases and then the figures were stapled onto the base.