Children's Projects offered for 2009-
After many years experience of working with children I prefer to design a project around the children and their environment rather than to offer ready made packages. Having said that I can offer projects in the areas broadly outlined below, but may suggest that we structure them differently after consultation with the school or community group. If you have an idea for a project and would like to discuss it please contact me.
Snake Sticks or Redesigning the Snake!
Using found twigs and a variety of materials the children transform the twigs into
snakes. Patterning on various animals affects how we and other animals' perceive
them, which often works to their advantage -
Inspired by a snake stick made by Kurt Schwitters this also allows me to introduce the life of this artist who came to this country after fleeing the regime of Nazi Germany.
Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2
Woven Wall Hanging
Using recycled cardboard the children paint and decorate strips of card which are then woven together into wall hangings. The children get to choose the theme of their work, this could be by colour or topics such as season, environment, history. An introduction to weaving and and an opportunity to work together as a team. This wallhanging is inspired by the beautiful baskets made by Lois Walpole a leading contemporary basket maker who specialises in using recycled materials.
I will also bring in a selection of woven items and pictures of weavings (including my own large scale sculptures).
Suitable for Key Stage 2
An Introduction to Willow Weaving
Starting with how willow is grown and cropped we look at willow as a sustainable craft material. The children will get the opportunity to look at newly cut willow, dried willow and ready soaked willow, also products made in willow and photographs of large willow sculptures.
Suitable for Key Stage 2
If the project is between Nov and March the pupils can plant some willow (if school grounds are suitable). The children will all get the chance to work in small groups to make their own weaving.
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Willow Sculpture
Looking at how an artist makes a sculpture right from the very beginning of carrying out the research. I prefer to do this project over stages where I involve the children with the start of the research for the piece, allow them a period of time to carry out the research in class with their teacher and then come back in to school to complete the sculpture with the children.
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Seeds as Food
A one day activity for younger children where we look at a variety of seeds-
Seeds as Food also introduces children to the life cycle of plants, I have found that it often a revelation to small children that seed come from plants and not from a factory!
Suitable for Key Stage 1
Spin Paintings
An exciting and messy exploration of centrifugal force. Looking at one aspect of Damien Hurst's work the children make their own spin paintings using my own equipment made from recycled materials and an electric drill (cordless not mains electric!) Centrifugal force at its most exciting... next to going on a fairground ride! And much more colourful. Other more messy options available if space permits outside!!!
Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2
Textile Art and Printmaking -
Fees: £150 per day except for the Willow sculpture which is price on application. Materials charged for at cost. (although much of this can be provided by schools/children's centre etc).
Shorter sessions can be organised at a pro rata cost -
