A Project for the Classroom

Art Through Conversation

Conversation can lead to great works of art. Artists such as Steven Siegel, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and Mierle Laderman Ukeles use dialogue as the source of many of their artworks. Dialogue allows people to explore options that may not be available to them otherwise.

Objective: In this project, small groups will use conversation to design and create a three-dimensional artwork from local waste materials.

Materials: Basic building supplies and tools will vary but may include: work gloves hammers pliers; glue; twine; wire; wood; nails; staple gun and staples.

Getting Started: Form groups of 6-10 people each. Together your group will come up with ideas for the theme, materials, design and location for the artwork that you would like to create.

Theme: Work with your group to determine what statement you would like to make with your project. Consider issues such as recycling, time and conservation; but, don’t limit yourself to just these ideas. Your underlying theme can be anything you want it to be—the more creative the better!

Finding Materials: Availability of building materials will greatly impact the choices you make throughout the project. You should generate ideas based on what materials represent your school or community, then problem solve to determine where these materials can be found.

For example: Steven Siegel’s sculpture, Pod, was created of organic materials that are found specifically in northern Florida. These materials were collected and donated by the University of Florida. In other artworks, he has used overruns from local newspapers and soda cans collected on university campuses. What waste material do you identify with your school? Your city? Your state?

Tips for locating materials:

Contact your city or county waste collection center
Find out about your school’s recycling program
Contact local businesses (restaurants, offices, and shopping centers).

Design: You should decide how you are going to support the materials you choose. You may decide to build an armature onto which you can place materials, or you may create a sort of container for holding the materials, or you may choose to do something entirely different.

As a group, design three compositions and together determine which of the three designs has the greatest potential for success. Once a design is selected, create a plan for building your sculpture. Consider the amount of the materials needed, the structure that will support the artwork and how long the artwork is expected to last.

Location: Placing an artwork can be a sensitive matter. Be sure that your group has thought about the response that your artwork may receive in a public domain. You should consider area restrictions, public accessibility and possible interference with the public.

Building: Once all of these decisions are made, coordinate a schedule and build your artwork!

Project Evaluation: To what extent did your group use dialogue to create your work of art? How well does the artwork reflect your initial intentions? Were you satisfied with the aesthetic quality of the artwork? How do you feel about collaborating with others to make art?

Documentation: Be sure to document the process and final outcome of your work with photographs, sketches and written notes. Create a website like this one to share your work with others. Teachers interested in displaying images of their students' work on Art Junction, should contact Craig Roland (croland@artjunction.org).