Environmental Art Lesson in Action!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to teach a group of second graders about environmental artist, Andy Goldsworthy, and the process of creating environmental art! The lesson was absolutely fantastic. The students really enjoyed getting to explore their school grounds in search of their “art supplies” and remained engaged throughout the lesson. At the end of the lesson, we took a tour of the student works–each student taking a moment to tell the rest of the class about the materials they chose and the significance of their work. 

Given more time, this lesson has the potential to rock EVEN FURTHER, as students could explore the concept of time and decay, as well as the important role that photography plays in environmental art installations.

But, for being a guest teacher for a 40 minute class period, I’d say the lesson turned out nicely! Here are a few of the students’ works that were created in a span of about 15 minutes: 

Many students liked Andy Goldsworthy’s explorations of circles, holes, and spirals, as was evident in their finished works.

Goldsworthy also explores lines and use of color. One of his processes that we discussed in class was his long leaf lines and “tapestries” that he creates by threading the stems of leaves together. Several students experimented with this process in their works.

A few recommendations that I would make regarding outdoor environmental art making with students (particularly those of younger ages):

-Assign each student a specific area to be their art making zone. They can leave this area to gather supplies, but should spend most of their time working on their installations in their area.

-Discuss boundaries for gathering supplies (How far can they go to find supplies? Should they only use things that they find on the ground, or can they pick leaves/flowers?)

-Toss out ideas for different uses of materials while they are working, such as weaving leaves together, ripping leaves into pieces, focusing on certain colors or shapes, or outlining things with colors or lines to make them stand out.

If given another day with this class, I would have loved to take them back outside to observe the changes in their works! 

Overall a great project, brimming with possibilities!

Happy Friday

 

Artist/Naturalist Andy Goldsworthy

It seems like any time an art teacher wants to introduce environmental art into their curriculum, they inevitably bring Andy Goldsworthy into their lessons. Although I really WANT to dislike the work of Artist/Naturalist Andy Goldsworthy, due to the fact that he seems to be frequently thought of as THE FACE of environmental art, I must confess, his work is absolutely fantastic!

Every time I look at one of his ephemeral works, I am in awe at the power and beauty of nature! In truth, he is an incredible model for environmental art. In his own words:

“Movement, change, light, growth and decay are the lifeblood of nature, the energies that I try to tap through my work. I need the shock of touch, the resistance of place, materials and weather, the earth as my source. Nature is in a state of change and that change is the key to understanding. I want my art to be sensitive and alert to changes in materials, season and weather. Each work grows, stays, decays. Process and decay are implicit. Transience in my work reflects what I find in nature.”

Check out this website to view more of Andy Goldsworthy’s works and to read more of his reflections on his art and creative processes!