For the past couple of weeks, the children have been working on their self-portraits for a collaborative piece to hang in the Gold Room. To support their developing self-concept in the art studio, the children created 3D self-portraits from “loose parts”. The children created their likeness by arranging jewelry, washers, and metal pieces, etc. to make a face. As they were working, the children studied their faces in the mirror and we talked about how the shape of the mouth changes when you make different expressions.
A student changes the expression on his self-portrait by changing the mouth and eyebrows.
The children were very engaged throughout the process. I wondered if the children found working with loose parts liberating due to the impermanence of the medium. They seemed more willing to take risks and try many options. Working with loose parts allows children to explore endless possibilities and to develop curiosity.
Later, the children worked on observational drawings of the self-portraits they created from “loose parts”. Before they began drawing, we studied the photographs looking for geometric shapes. This helps to scaffold the drawing process. The children drew with Sharpies and then used metallic colored pencils.
Reflection by Danya Lanphear, Art Specialist
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