Introduction: With this lesson, there will be an emphasis on other cultures and why people may spend such painstaking time on something so fleeting. By learning the basics of kolam design, hopefully students will experience a bit of the therapeutic or fun quality of process.
Description: Students will be introduced to the work of artists Motoi Yamamoto and Julian Beever. We will discuss the idea of “ephemeral” and how it applies to the work of these artists. We will discuss how nature might inspire these artists and why they choose the mediums they do - table salt and chalk, respectively.
Students will learn about Indian kolam and discuss its purpose and look at visual examples. Kolam is an Indian folk art, in which women make these intricate drawings outside their homes using rice flour - which attracts ants and birds and creatures into their home - a daily tribute to harmonious living. Each day these drawings are walked on, blown by the wind, nibbled by creatures ... and each morning they are cleaned away and replaced by new drawings.
We will also talk about other examples they may have already experienced - chalk drawings in their driveway, finger drawings on foggy windows, etc.
We will begin with learning how to draw simple kolam designs and practice on paper. Students will select a final design and will be given a square in the front sidewalk of the school to complete their chalk or rice flour kolam. Each will be photographed and shared with the class with discussion.
Assessment: Formative assessment will be through discussion. Summative will be through design process and completion of kolam based on a collaborative rubric as well as written answers.
Description: Students will be introduced to the work of artists Motoi Yamamoto and Julian Beever. We will discuss the idea of “ephemeral” and how it applies to the work of these artists. We will discuss how nature might inspire these artists and why they choose the mediums they do - table salt and chalk, respectively.
Students will learn about Indian kolam and discuss its purpose and look at visual examples. Kolam is an Indian folk art, in which women make these intricate drawings outside their homes using rice flour - which attracts ants and birds and creatures into their home - a daily tribute to harmonious living. Each day these drawings are walked on, blown by the wind, nibbled by creatures ... and each morning they are cleaned away and replaced by new drawings.
We will also talk about other examples they may have already experienced - chalk drawings in their driveway, finger drawings on foggy windows, etc.
We will begin with learning how to draw simple kolam designs and practice on paper. Students will select a final design and will be given a square in the front sidewalk of the school to complete their chalk or rice flour kolam. Each will be photographed and shared with the class with discussion.
Assessment: Formative assessment will be through discussion. Summative will be through design process and completion of kolam based on a collaborative rubric as well as written answers.
