Monster:
While making the monster for “M” I really looked towards what Molly Bang suggested. I had to refer to the text a lot to make sure that what I perceived as scary was in fact what others would perceive as scary. Bang stated on page 46, “Diagonal shapes are dynamic because they imply motion or tension” (Bang, 2000). My monster’s hand is at an angle show both movement and tension. Additionally, I changed my handprint into a shape with more points and jagged lines because as stated on page 70, “[w]e feel more scared looking at pointed shapes” (Bang, 2000). The dark colors of black and purple were created to reflect creepiness and the red nails were a good contrast to catch the attention of the viewer. I do feel that my monster works because of the principles from Bang, I am scared to admit what it would have looked like without the help!
The most important thing that I have learned while working on this project was that art can be taught. I had always assumed that those who were good at art had a natural gift. I always thought that people took art class because they enjoyed art, not because they learned more about how to make art. I guess I was wrong. I am kind of sad that I never took advantage of taking an art class to maybe learn how to craft more things!!!
Although I don’t think this activity would be appropriate for a Kindergarten setting, the art principles discussed can of course be incorporated, especially because my class doesn’t attend any art classes, all art is completed in the regular classroom. We can create creepy Halloween pictures using this book.
Bang, Molly (2000). Picture this how pictures work. Boston, MA: SeaStar Books.
Aaaaah!:
While creating my screaming figure for the Aaaaah! For “A” I read through the book for ideas. What inspired me initially was from page 84, “Space isolated a figure, males that figure alone, free, and vulnerable” (Bang, 2000). My figure was isolated because I wanted it to alone and perhaps screaming for help. I was thinking about what a child would do after having a nightmare and needed help. Additionally, Bang suggested on page 72, “The larger an object is in a picture, the stronger it feels” (Bang, 2000). My figure isn’t big because it isn’t strong, although it’s voice growing bigger, hopefully showing that it grows stronger as it screams for help!
Bang, Molly (2000). Picture this how pictures work. Boston, MA: SeaStar Books.
Finally, your 4th post should be about your reflections on what you were trying to do with your scary picture, how it does and doesn't work and why. Think about how you incorporated the principles from the Bang's book.
Also, you need to post about your experiences with the process of making your picture. What were the challenges? What principles guided how you went about it?
The feedback and reflection components should be completed on or before Saturday, June 14. Finally, write about what you learned from this experience about yourself as a learner? What types of applications do you see with this activity in your future classroom?