SPILL IT! - Art Journals
SEASON 5 | PROJECT 1/32 | 09.18.23
MODULE: Mixed-Media | GRADE LEVELS: 1 - 6 | DURATION: 1 Hour
ARTIST VIDEO
Video Editing by Jorge Davies, Graphics by Melissa Sabol
PROJECT VIDEO
Cover Photo by Michael Weintrob
OVERVIEW
For this project, students will craft their own personalized, handbound Art Journal by folding together a mix of new and recycled papers and binding them with string. Art journals serve as a creative space to explore and express thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help students establish a practice that offers a safe and personal outlet for experimentation with various materials and techniques that is free from judgment. We encourage students to use their journals whenever inspiration strikes or when they need to express their feelings.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT​
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Freedom to create independently and without the pressure of having to show the finished product
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A private space to process thoughts and feelings in a constructive way
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Promoting the exploration of ideas in inventive and creative ways
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Allowing students to be present with their feelings and thoughts through a solitary process
MATERIALS
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Paper
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Cardboard/Card stock
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String
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Yarn needle
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Awl
FEATURED ARTIST
STEVE POLTZ
Steve Poltz is a Canadian-American songwriter and musician known for his global performances and songwriting workshops. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he was a member of the indie-rock band The Rugburns. He gained further recognition through his collaboration with Jewel on her hit song “You Were Meant for Me.”
As a prolific solo artist, Steve has released numerous albums that showcase his unique blend of humor and storytelling, creating music that is both captivating and deeply personal. His approach to songwriting is imaginative and spontaneous—if it feels right, he goes with it.
Steve encourages others to embrace their creativity by journaling their ideas, writing from personal experiences, trusting their instincts, having fun, doodling, and making things up. He believes in letting creativity be the guide.
ARTISTS TO KNOW
Frida Kahlo
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was known for her colorful and powerful paintings, which told stories about her life and celebrated the culture and nature around her. Frida used her journals to draw and write, filling them with beautiful pictures and personal thoughts. These journals were important tools she used to work out her ideas and understand her emotions. Her art and journals together reveal the depth of her creativity and the strength of her spirit.
Frida Kahlo, 'Dolor de veneno,' Diary of Frida Kahlo, c.1944-54; 1995.
Leonardo da Vinci
was a famous Italian artist and inventor who lived long ago. He was curious about everything and filled his journals with sketches, ideas for inventions, and scientific observations. It is believed that he produced between 20,000 and 28,000 pages of notes and sketches! Leonardo also wrote in a peculiar style called “mirror writing,” where letters and words are written backwards. He would combine words and invent new ones, as well as create symbols to express his ideas. He was truly a unique person!
Leonardo da Vinci, Old Man with Water Studies, c. 1513. a possible self portrait.
Source: http://www.drawingsofleonardo.org
Teesha Moore
is an American artist who creates whimsical and eclectic art journals. She fills them with drawings, collages, and colorful patterns and designs. She loves to mix different materials and techniques on the same page. Despite being very personal, the individual pages from Teesha’s journals can stand alone as art pieces, each one holding meaning. Her art journals are experiments and explorations through different mediums and materials, thoughts and emotions.
A page from Teesha Moore’s art journal. N.D.
Sabrina Ward Harrison
Canadian artist and writer Sabrina Ward Harrison felt such a strong passion to inspire others, she turned her own journals into books. Her journals are filled with a mix of writing, drawings, and collage, which reflects her journeys at different points in her life. It's all very personal as she finds different techniques to capture her thoughts and emotions. As an artist, Sabrina encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and create art that reflects who they are.
Sabrina War Harrison’s published journal, The Story is Happening
VOCABULARY
Art Practice: The habit and unique way of making art is called an art practice. It’s how artists explore and experiment with their ideas, tools, and materials to create their work.
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Create: To create is to make something completely new using your imagination and skills. You can
create anything—a painting, a sculpture, a story—whatever you put your mind to!
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Explore: In the world of art, to explore means trying out new techniques, materials, and ideas to see what kinds of creations you can make. It means being curious and interested in different ways of creating something.
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Experiment: Experimenting means asking questions and trying something new to see what happens. Experimenting goes hand-in-hand with exploring as both allow you to try new things and figure out the best way to create what you’re after.
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Self Expression: Self-expression is showing who you are and how you feel through what you wear, say, do, or create. In art, you can use various materials, colors, shapes, textures, and techniques to share your thoughts and feelings with others.​