August 15, 2010 Gabriel Miles Paper Masks Animals & NW Coast People Workshop Grades 1-5 45 min 1 hour class Specific Learning Targets (Outcomes): The student will be able to: Become aware of reasons for masks in various cultures - learn a little about the meaning of masks Study the characteristics of masks - note design elements Create a paper mask using a variety of paper sculpting techniques Utilize elements and principles of design in a 3 dimensional form - show balance, repetition - integrate planning Brief Description Students will look at masks in various cultures and then create their own mask along with a written story about the mask. Materials: various mask handouts 9" x 12" construction paper assorted collage papers scissors fancy cutting scissors (optional) glue fish line for hanging (optional) feathers (if desired) Arts EALR focus The students will: 1. understand/apply arts knowledge and skill, 1.1 understand arts concepts and vocabulary, 1.2 develop arts skills and techniques, 1.3 understand and apply styles, 2. demonstrate thinking skills using artistic process, 2.1 apply creative process in the arts, 3.1 Uses the arts to express and present ideas and feelings, 3.3 Develops personal aesthetic criteria to communicate artistic choices, 4.4 Understands that the arts shape and reflect culture and history Vocabulary: symmetry, balance, relief, ritual, ancestor, concentric, geometric, exaggeration, distortion, unity Resources: Video Maskmaking with Paper by Peggy Flores (Crystal Productions) -- Books on Mexican, Native American, and African Masks -- Mask prints -- Internet Resources: African Art - Native American - Mexican Art (see also Mask links) Alternate idea: Mardi Gras masks See African Masks http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/index.htm Site gives a nice overview of styles, materials used and reasons for masks of Africa - shows a few examples (graphics not photos- but still good enough for students to get the idea) -- and there is a short quiz. The hands on project is a positive/negative space design (one exactly like I did with 6th graders and 3rd graders) Look for more Mask Resources on Mask Makers Web http://www.maskmakersweb.org Teaching Plan: Show video Maskmaking with Paper (if available). Show students a variety of masks from various cultures (or select one culture to feature). Discuss briefly reasons and meanings of masks in cultures presented.
Demonstrate a variety of paper sculpting techniques that can be applied to mask (curling for hair - folding for noses - curving for eyelids - crimping for hair - etc) Demonstrate clipping the top and chin of mask and gluing to make three dimensional. Encouraging layering colors. Review color planning Student Instructions: The basic form is made with a 9 x 12 inch piece of construction paper. Fold paper - draw contour for mask and cut out. The paper is held vertically and then the center top and bottom is cut in about 1 1 2 to 2 inches. The cut section is pulled together and glued. Larry encourages students to hide the fold mark in some way. Students build onto the mask form considering the following: Symmetry (cut two shapes at one time - cut nose and mouth with center on the fold), breaking the edge (extending beyond the contour of the mask), layering of color, and patterns. Unity is important. "Breaking the edge" is forms that extend beyond the basic oval of the mask. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways - adding horns - hair - beards - scalloped edge - geometric shapes Layer colors. For example a yellow triangle can be added to a black mask. Then a smaller red triangle can be glued in the center of the yellow one. Then a smaller blue circle can then be glued in the center of the red triangle. Use a variety of papers (see note) Patterns are made by repeating lines, shapes, or a theme. An interesting pattern can be developed by using the small circles from left-over from punching holes in paper using a hole punch. Try creative folding to create 3-D forms that can be glued to the mask. NOTE: For cut-paper mask making, Larry saves every painting that students do during the year and don't want. These go into a scrap box and can be used during mask making. This allows for great color and texture possibilities as students search sections of an old paintings and make aesthetic choices. He also encourages students to bring items from home to include on the mask. Possible extension activities: how could the teacher expand upon this lesson or adapt it for other in subject areas? Masks from cultures and theatre. More in depth ways of creating masks. Assesment: Did students show an understanding of mask characteristics in designing their own mask? Did students try a variety of paper sculpting techniques to create relief elements? Did students show design principles of balance, repetition, and unity in placement of colors and shapes? Did students make wise choices? Did students exhibit craftsmanship in cutting and gluing?