Topic Reflection: 4

"Ideas are not just pushed through materials; often it is the reverse in that the ideas come from working with materials finding out what they can do, playing, and experimenting long enough to get a sense of the possibilities they present" (Carroll 116). 

Material Arts Design is a course developed by Sue Bartley that wanted to continue part of her grandmothers legacy of using all the materials available when creating patch quilts.  As I read this article hat was published in 1998...over 13 years ago..all the concepts, ideas, and situations still exist today.  Art budgets being cut, too much waste produced by a throw-away culture, and hazardous waste being discarded inappropriately. 

"The initial phase of collection the materials is followed by the deconstruction or processing of collected materials, further analysis, and finally the shaping and reshaping of new artistic forms" (Elliot/Bartley 54).   Carroll discuss the use of seemingly simple materials being used in extravagant, unique ways to create fabulous art forms in the classroom.  The students have to explore the ideas and materials before digging in (Carroll 117).  There will be ample opportunities for the students to problem solve and find solutions when working with these recycled goods and found objects.  "Sometimes the initial focus is on material exploration" (Elliot/Bartley 54), the students need to consider the object they are using and what can realistically be done with it safely in the classroom/shop environment.  There is a great list of questions on page 54 of what the students need to consider when choosing a material to use and explore.   The students create functional art forms that could be Incorporated into their everyday life, "everything can perform some kind of mechanical, physical, or aesthetic function" (Elliot/Bartley 55).

I found the article extremely interesting and still completely relevant to what every art teacher is going through today.  We all know the feelings of budget cuts with larger groups of students and the amount of waste we produce can be sickening.  I would really encourage all of you to read this relatively short article because it is a great little program with many insightful thoughts..  She discussed the creative problem solving process her students go through along with a small part about the student projects and culture.  Michelle Kamhi would have a huge problem with this program so please refrain from reading if you are one of her followers.  :)


http://www.jstor.org/stable/3193730

Material Arts Design: An Exploration in Creativity, Ecology and Culture
Author(s): Steve Elliott and Sue Bartley
Source: Art Education, Vol. 51, No. 3, Community, Art and Culture (May, 1998), pp. 52-55
Published by: National Art Education Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3193730