Lesson video

Hello, my name's Ms. Nadia, and I'm going to be teaching your art lesson today, which I'm very excited about because we are going to be exploring and experimenting with materials today.

I hope you have a lovely lesson, and let's begin.

Your lesson title today is to Explore and Experiment with Different Materials and Techniques.

By the end of this lesson, your outcome is to be able to say that I can make experiments that reflect my understanding of visual language.

Your outcome for the lesson today could look something like this.

Here are your keywords.

The first keyword today is visual language.

This is the way that artists use elements like line, shape and color to communicate ideas and emotions.

Your second keyword today is implicit.

This is to describe things in which a meaning is implied or it's hinted at, rather than it being expressed directly.

Our lesson today will be split into two learning cycles, and the first learning cycle is called plan how to approach materials and processes.

And in the second learning cycle, we will be experimenting and reviewing the visual language.

Now we will begin with plan how to approach materials and processes.

How do you select materials and techniques for your experiments? Jun says, "I look at artists to explore past successes and what my friends and peers are trying." What processes and materials might have been used here? We've got three examples here now on the screen and they all look quite different.

Let's go through each one.

So for this first one here, we have got prints and layers and collage, or it could also be digital editing.

For the second image here, it could be loose wet on wet marks made with inks, or it could be vibrant watercolors.

And the final image could be thread or wire, thin paper and warm light.

What new techniques have you seen others locally or at school use? Sofia is analyzing an artist's use of processors and materials.

So if we take a look at this example here, the artist integrates torn paper layers, adding complexity and visual interest.

They combine thick paint application with varied texture, which adds depth and emotion.

There is use of bold and vivid acrylic or oil colors for strong contrast and a dramatic effect.

It focuses on partially concealed hands and face to capture intrigue.

How will this analysis helps Sofia to move forward? Sofia says, "I don't want to copy the work, but I'm inspired to try out some of the techniques in my own work." And Jun asks, "What ideas will you take from the artist?" And Sofia's response is, "I might explore some tearing and painting over my own photos to conceal areas and duplicate others." What techniques have you seen in the classroom, or in the community, or in artist's work that you could try out? Do you consider the visual language associated with your materials? Andeep says, "When I choose between glossy paper and matte paper for my photos, I'm making a comment on the type of image and result that I want." Is this true or false? Visual language is not expressed through the materials you use.

Materials don't bring any meaning to your work.

And the answer is false, materials can be symbolic or have associations.

They're strong contributors to your visual language.

Associations are implicit in each material.

Artists consider how the choice of material can affect the aesthetic and conceptual impact of their work.

What associations are implicit in each of these materials? Let's start with plastic.

Well, plastic is mass produced and it's very modern and versatile and it is disposable.

So Sofia says that, "Plastic is often associated with consumer culture, innovation, and environmental concerns." What associations are implicit in concrete? Brutalism, urbanity, functionality, and modernity.

Jun says that, "Concrete is often linked to urban landscapes and utilitarian design." What associations are implicit in fabric? Softness, comfort, movement and creativity.

Izzy says that, "Fabric is often associated with textiles, fashion, and the human touch.

Associations are not always fixed.

So for instance, plastic can be: positively associated with innovation and the modern world, or it can be associated in a negative way with waste and mass production.

What materials have your artists chosen to use in their work? What does a combination of concrete and neon typically suggest in visual language? Is it A, warmth and tradition, B, urban life and rebellion, or C, nature and sustainability? The answer is B, urban life and rebellion.

Sofia is thinking about the visual language implicit in her chosen materials.

"Torn paper can feel rough, quickly made, and can be very textured along the edges." "Painting over them can give different effects, depending on the marks I want to make, the colors I choose and the type of paint." "I will use acrylic paint and I'll try making a range of different marks with different tools to see what is best." Here are some examples of artists' diverse experiments with materials.

Derek Jarman uses boldly blended diverse artistic mediums film, painting, set design, and writing to challenge conventions.

Isamu Noguchi creates abstract ceramic and stone sculptures that explore the interplay of shapes, forms, and negative space.

Sandy Powell, the renowned costume designer, is known for her experimental approach to her craft, pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional materials and techniques.

Rana Begum's colors are highly experimental, often combining vibrant hues with geometric forms to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

So I'd like you to start Task A shortly, and this is to plan your approach and processes.

So the first thing I'd like to do is to analyze the processes and materials used by your artist.

So you could: list the materials, describe the processes, research a technique in more detail, discuss the artwork with your peers or with your teacher.

You should consider: why did the artist select these particular materials? What do those materials communicate? How did the processes support the message and strengthen the work? I hope you enjoy the task, and I look forward to seeing what you achieve.

Pause the video here, and I will be here once you've completed the task.

Okay, so I hope the task went well for you today.

Now, in Task A, there were many ways that you could have recorded your ideas, and here is just one example of one way you may have completed the task today.

This example is by Laura, "Isamu Noguchi uses materials like stone, wood, metal, and clay for his sculptures and designs.

His processes included carving, molding and assembling, often combining techniques to create smooth, organic shapes.

For stone and wood, he carved and polished to highlight natural textures.

These processes allowed him to explore form and surface, emphasizing natural beauty and harmony." We're now going to move on to the second learning cycle of our lesson today, and this is called experiment and review the visual language.

Materials can be combined to create a new meaning.

A modern wooden table with a glass top might evoke elegance and simplicity, blending the warmth of wood and the sleekness of glass create a sense of modern minimalism.

How could you combine materials to create meaning in your work? The following question is a true or false question.

Materials mean different things in different contexts depending on how they are used and applied.

Is this true or is this false? The answer is true.

Consider the material charcoal, for example.

Charcoal can suggest different things depending on the context.

In traditional life drawings, it can be raw, subtle, full of movement and expressive, capturing feelings or ideas.

However, in environmental projects, its production as burnt wood tells a compelling story.

Can be used to portray heavy, dark subjects like environmental destruction, thick black smoke or hazy pollution.

Alex is considering the ideas and meanings he wants to be implicit in his work, "My photography project is about movement.

I don't have too many ideas, but I like it feeling off center and a bit skewed.

I have some images of my friend skateboarding in the city center that I want to use.

My artist used light trails in their work to create movement lines, but that made it feel a bit wobbly." What would you suggest to help him move forward? How could Alex combine materials? So Aisha has an idea, "Alex mentioned movement and lines so how about photocopying his work whilst he moves it quickly? Would a photocopy reflect the energy of skateboarding though?" And so Izzy says, "I don't think photocopying would reflect his ideas.

How about using neon colored lines to collage the work? You could combine it with shapes or materials that reflect a sort of urban, city, skater style?" Alex developed his ideas through experimentation with materials and processes.

Do you think it conveys movement and skewed perspectives? Do you think he has used the visual language effectively? Laura thinks that, "The work feels modern and lively and is quite dynamic.

The combination of materials, like spray paint, and the collage technique conveys an urban life.

The angles create direction and movement well too." Now let's check your understanding.

Making quick experiments is a good starting point because: A, you can try out lots of different techniques, B, it helps you try out different ideas without worrying about perfection, C, you can learn what works and what doesn't early on.

And the answer, of course, is all of them.

Remember that you can develop these experiments in the next stage.

Jacob is exploring with a new material.

"A classmate suggested exploring the material tyvek if I liked holes and circles.

You need to heat it up." "I tested two pieces, heating each side in turn to see the differences.

I painted them with shapes and colors inspired by my artist.

I like the corner that was heated well." Experiential learning means that you are learning through doing.

You need to stay alert and take notice as you experiment.

What do you think Jacob noticed whilst he was working? Holes form when I apply a high heat.

This is the back, I like the fact that the bubbles protrude.

The inverted bubble works well with paint because it catches the edges.

I tried heating both sides.

And on this one, the paint can be seen like a stain around the holes.

Heating both sides with the iron flattens the surface.

For Task B today then, I would like you to make some quick experimental samples and combine materials.

You should use materials that are inspired by your interpretation of your artist's work.

I'd like you to combine materials to consider the visual language.

I'd also like you to use a range of processes.

Have fun experimenting and creating your samples today in this task.

And when you have completed it, I will be here to talk about what you may have created.

So here is an example of something that you may have done today for Task B.

"I made four jelly prints and I was able to make refinements each time.

I'm pleased with the final combination of colors on the brown paper surface.

Next, I will stitch and combine them with my tyvek experiments somehow." That would make a very interesting piece with so many textures and color and patterns with so much interest there and such an exciting visual language that would create.

So for the second part of Task B, I would like you to present your work to show what you have learned.

You could: make a sample page in your sketchbook, make your experimental samples into a handmade book, you could also prepare and present photos of your experiments, you could even film your processes, you could describe how your experimental pieces link to your project, you could explain your processes, describe what you noticed as you experimented.

Good look in your task, and I look forward to seeing how you go about presenting the work that you have completed in your experimental samples.

Here is an example of one way that you could have presented your work to show what you have learned.

So Aisha here has created some imagery of her digital portfolio.

And what she says is, "I'm making a digital portfolio, I annotated it briefly to describe my findings.

I only added color and detail to my more successful work to clarify visually what I'm selecting to take forward.

I included artist references for context." So we have come to the end of our lesson today.

We are gonna summarize what you have learned today.

In our lesson today, you explored and experimented with materials and techniques.

The choice of materials affects the visual language, so this is the way in which you might present those materials in the elements of art to give that further meaning to artwork.

And associations with materials can be implicit.

What we mean by this is that those messages are not always super clear and they can be implied or hinted at rather than just being very direct.

They are not fixed, and you can combine different materials to create a new meaning.

Interpreting the techniques used by artists can help you to develop your ideas.

And in the first part of our lesson today, you focused on looking at other artists' work.

And I hope that in the second part of our lesson today, you were able to use that information to really help and guide you to produce better and stronger outcomes.

Understanding the processes can illuminate the artist's skill and intent.

And I hope that in the second part of our lesson today, where you explored and experimented with those materials and you really furthered your skills in those processes that you were able to develop and build your confidence.

Observing how artists experiment with materials and methods should help to push creative boundaries.

I hope you've had an enjoyable lesson today, and I hope you've learned lots about the artists that you selected and researched in the earlier parts of our lesson.

But I really hope as well that you've built up some skills and confidence whilst experimenting and exploring with different materials and techniques.

I hope to see you again soon and enjoy further exploration and experimentation in art.