Arts Education
- The New Masters of Fantasy
- Vector Graphics vs Bit Map
- Al Jazeera Brings People Together
- Vixy.net Saves YouTube Clips
- Critical Literacy & Visual Culture
- World Youth Day Logo Design
- Promoting Creative Thinking
- Caring For The Artistic Ego
- Making Beads With Salt Clay
- How To Make Paper Beads
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
Fantasy is the art of the fantastic. Artists create worlds from their imagination by inventing imaginary creatures such dragons, elves and unicorns.
The New Masters Of Fantasy provides a trailer of featured images from the third volume of artwork created by contemporary masters of fantasy. View featured artwork as a Volume III Trailer. It is a movie that scrolls, accompanied by fantasy music to create atmosphere. Be sure that students view the clips on full screen mode. The article Vixy.net Saves YouTube Clips provides instructions that will make this process easier.
The Fantasy Art Genre
This is the art of the fantastic! You will find heroes and maidens, elves and unicorns and imaginary creatures such as dragons. These beings inhabit strange and fantastic landscapes, such as lunarscapes, dark forests and "other worlds". The combinations of realistic drawing with imaginary inventions are ingredients that promise to stimulate student imagination.
Fantasy Art Projects
After viewing the film clip, invite students to create a world of their own. This will engage the students because
The Fantasy Art Genre
This is the art of the fantastic! You will find heroes and maidens, elves and unicorns and imaginary creatures such as dragons. These beings inhabit strange and fantastic landscapes, such as lunarscapes, dark forests and "other worlds". The combinations of realistic drawing with imaginary inventions are ingredients that promise to stimulate student imagination.
Fantasy Art Projects
After viewing the film clip, invite students to create a world of their own. This will engage the students because
- fantasy art never goes out of style
- the genre is eclectic, offering a diverse range of possibilities so that the topic appeals to everyone
- Volume Three is an inspiring stimulous because the art comes from talented artists all over the world
- the Volume has been gleaned from areas of the world so students should be able to recognise cultural influences making the project appropriate for students from all cultures
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
To be able to use files competently computer artists need to understand the differences between different types of images and how to use and store them efficiently.
Particular graphics software packages are intended for unique purposes, so artists need to be aware of the difference between file types that they offer. If you become unsure about why files are behaving in a certain way, go to the help menu of the graphics package you are using. The information about Vector and Bit Map Files has been paraphrased from Adobe Illustrator CS Help Files.
Vector Images
"Vector graphics are made up of lines and curves defined by mathematical objects called vectors." Adobe CS Help
Vectors describe an image according to its geometric characteristics. This means that vector graphics are defined by a specific width and length, set at a specific location, and filled with a specific color. They can be moved, resized, or there can be a change of color without losing the quality of the graphic.
Because they are resolution-independent, they can be scaled to any size and printed at any resolution without losing detail or clarity. This is why they are a good choice for logos and other graphics that must retain crisp lines when scaled to various sizes.
Bit Map ImagesThese raster images use a grid of small squares known as pixels to represent images. The pixels are assigned a specific location and colour value. This creates a kind of mosaic of pixels which give an appearance of the object drawn. When you edit a bit map image you are working with pixels rather than objects or shapes.
Bit map images can represent subtle gradations of shades and color, but, unfortunately they are resolution-dependent, which means that they contain a fixed number of pixels. This means that they will lose detail and appear jagged if they are scaled on-screen. If they are printed at a lower resolution than intended they will appear fuzzy.
Vector Images
"Vector graphics are made up of lines and curves defined by mathematical objects called vectors." Adobe CS Help
Vectors describe an image according to its geometric characteristics. This means that vector graphics are defined by a specific width and length, set at a specific location, and filled with a specific color. They can be moved, resized, or there can be a change of color without losing the quality of the graphic.
Because they are resolution-independent, they can be scaled to any size and printed at any resolution without losing detail or clarity. This is why they are a good choice for logos and other graphics that must retain crisp lines when scaled to various sizes.
Bit Map ImagesThese raster images use a grid of small squares known as pixels to represent images. The pixels are assigned a specific location and colour value. This creates a kind of mosaic of pixels which give an appearance of the object drawn. When you edit a bit map image you are working with pixels rather than objects or shapes.
Bit map images can represent subtle gradations of shades and color, but, unfortunately they are resolution-dependent, which means that they contain a fixed number of pixels. This means that they will lose detail and appear jagged if they are scaled on-screen. If they are printed at a lower resolution than intended they will appear fuzzy.
Al Jazeera Brings People Together
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
The existence of an English speaking Al Jazeera broadcasting news 24 hours a day from around the world brings the idea of Global Village a little closer.
Al Jazeera is the largest and most controversial Arabic News Channel in the Middle East. The channel broadcasts news 24 hours a day from around the world. Founded in 1996, and based in Qatar, it has become the fastest growing news network among Arab communities and Arabic speaking people around the world.
Criticism from varied governments has helped the channel garner credibility from an audience that is used to government-imposed censorship and biased coverage.
Troubled History
After its dissolution in April 1996, Sheik Hamad who was disappointed by the lack of press freedom in the Arab world, pledged to let Al-Jazeera "report the news as they see it." "I believe criticism can be a good thing," the emir said in a 1997 speech, "and some discomfort for government officials is a small price to pay for this new freedom." Allied Media.com
Breaking Barriers
Al Jazeera's now has a team of dedicated journalists. They have a multi-national education and they come from diversified backgrounds. The aim is to present news, which is objective, accurate, and truthful.
Now, Al Jazeera has gone a long way towards breaking down the language barrier by launching an English language Al Jazeera station. The station has a goal of bringing “people and continents together.”
One such story talks about a dance programme in the Phillipines that has radically altered the level of violence experienced by the inmates there.
Criticism from varied governments has helped the channel garner credibility from an audience that is used to government-imposed censorship and biased coverage.
Troubled History
After its dissolution in April 1996, Sheik Hamad who was disappointed by the lack of press freedom in the Arab world, pledged to let Al-Jazeera "report the news as they see it." "I believe criticism can be a good thing," the emir said in a 1997 speech, "and some discomfort for government officials is a small price to pay for this new freedom." Allied Media.com
Breaking Barriers
Al Jazeera's now has a team of dedicated journalists. They have a multi-national education and they come from diversified backgrounds. The aim is to present news, which is objective, accurate, and truthful.
Now, Al Jazeera has gone a long way towards breaking down the language barrier by launching an English language Al Jazeera station. The station has a goal of bringing “people and continents together.”
One such story talks about a dance programme in the Phillipines that has radically altered the level of violence experienced by the inmates there.
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
YouTube.com is a wonderful resource but it does have its problems. Teachers were not willing to trust its reliability - until Vixy.net came along.
The Problem With Utube
Using YouTube in the class room can be a bit risky. Utube is a fantastic resource and there is such a range of video clips to choose from. There are timely modern videos as well as age old classic clips. The risk is that the clip might drop out due to a "blink" in the internet transmission. If this happens during class it can be both frustrating and embarrassing. Many teachers avoid using Utube clips in the classroom for this reason.
The Solution is Vixy.net
Vixy.net is a simple solution to this problem. This free online open source technology will facilitate a simple download of the clip. It can be saved to your own disc space. Once you have done this, you can play it when and where you want without the risk of losing the connection.
How It Works
This service allows you convert a Flash Video / FLV file (YouTube's videos,etc) to MPEG4 (AVI/MOV/MP4/MP3/3GP) file online. When you submit a URL, it will download and convert to the video format, and then you can download the converted file. TheFLV to MPEG4 Converter engine is now OpenSource. (Information taken from Vixy.net website.)
Using YouTube in the class room can be a bit risky. Utube is a fantastic resource and there is such a range of video clips to choose from. There are timely modern videos as well as age old classic clips. The risk is that the clip might drop out due to a "blink" in the internet transmission. If this happens during class it can be both frustrating and embarrassing. Many teachers avoid using Utube clips in the classroom for this reason.
The Solution is Vixy.net
Vixy.net is a simple solution to this problem. This free online open source technology will facilitate a simple download of the clip. It can be saved to your own disc space. Once you have done this, you can play it when and where you want without the risk of losing the connection.
How It Works
- Surf to vixy.net remembering to take the URL of the clip you want with you, by highlighting and copying.
- Paste the url into the slot at the top of the Vixy.net homepage.
- When you submit a URL, it will download and convert to the video format, and then you can download the converted file.
- Save the file to an external drive or to your hard drive or iPod.
This service allows you convert a Flash Video / FLV file (YouTube's videos,etc) to MPEG4 (AVI/MOV/MP4/MP3/3GP) file online. When you submit a URL, it will download and convert to the video format, and then you can download the converted file. TheFLV to MPEG4 Converter engine is now OpenSource. (Information taken from Vixy.net website.)
Critical Literacy & Visual Culture
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
The conference will challenge educators as they attempt to understand the relationship of literacy to power. The desire is to redefine literacy so that it empowers.
The purpose of the International Conference on Critical Literacy in Visual Culture is to critically examine what it now means to be "literate in a world that is continuously being re-shaped by the enormous array of printed, digitized and transmitted images and visual communications systems that contextualize our perceptions of ourselves and our world. " Conference Website
Challenge To Educators
The material explored at the conference will be about the challenge educators face when they attempt to understand the relationship of literacy to power. There will be papers presented that attempt to understand the power that unmediated media exposure can wield over students.
It is hoped that breaking down barriers, which separate theory and practice, will help to achieve a clearer understanding of the created visual environment. It will be an opportunity to attempt to redefine literacy so that it empowers rather than subjugates subjects of visual culture.
Venue
The conference will be held at the Universities Center, Main Street. Dallas. It is hoped that it is the first of a series of trans- and inter-disciplinary conferences.
Art Exhibition
There will be an exhibition called "Keywords" in the reception (UCD Main Lobby). It is an art exhibition highlighting work using pre-existing images or information and electronic media in their work. The artists are Nora Herting, Jonathan Harris & Sep Kamvar, Penelope Umbrico, Jim Bumgardner and Brad Kuhl. They will receive a curatorial statement presented by UNT College of Visual Arts & Design Assistant Professor Paho Mann.
Browse Content
The conference will host two pairs of keynote speakers. If you would like to glean an idea of the variety of disciplinary perspectives, the Abstracts provide an educational smorgasboard well worth browsing.
Challenge To Educators
The material explored at the conference will be about the challenge educators face when they attempt to understand the relationship of literacy to power. There will be papers presented that attempt to understand the power that unmediated media exposure can wield over students.
It is hoped that breaking down barriers, which separate theory and practice, will help to achieve a clearer understanding of the created visual environment. It will be an opportunity to attempt to redefine literacy so that it empowers rather than subjugates subjects of visual culture.
Venue
The conference will be held at the Universities Center, Main Street. Dallas. It is hoped that it is the first of a series of trans- and inter-disciplinary conferences.
Art Exhibition
There will be an exhibition called "Keywords" in the reception (UCD Main Lobby). It is an art exhibition highlighting work using pre-existing images or information and electronic media in their work. The artists are Nora Herting, Jonathan Harris & Sep Kamvar, Penelope Umbrico, Jim Bumgardner and Brad Kuhl. They will receive a curatorial statement presented by UNT College of Visual Arts & Design Assistant Professor Paho Mann.
Browse Content
The conference will host two pairs of keynote speakers. If you would like to glean an idea of the variety of disciplinary perspectives, the Abstracts provide an educational smorgasboard well worth browsing.
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
Clever artistic blending weaves the sails of the Sydney Opera House through the WYD08 logo. It is International in symbolism and authentic in Australian sentiment.
The theme for WYD08 is: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8).
It highlights the promise made by Jesus to set fire upon the Earth by the power of the Holy Spirit . It is this fire, which "inspires the pilgrims who come to Australia, to believe and witness to Him. " Celebrating World Youth Day
Logo Symbols
It highlights the promise made by Jesus to set fire upon the Earth by the power of the Holy Spirit . It is this fire, which "inspires the pilgrims who come to Australia, to believe and witness to Him. " Celebrating World Youth Day
Logo Symbols
- Cross
- Flames
- Colours
- Australian Themes
- Australian Design
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
Paper sculpture promotes a creative style of thinking and seeing. David Swinton is an Artist in Residence who promotes creativity and enhances school environments.
David Swinton is a sculptor who offers his services as an Artist-in-Residence. He works in Primary Schools helping students enjoy the art of Paper Sculpture. David has over thirty years experience of working in schools, museums and galleries.
He also works in a discipline called Environmental Sculpture. This is a creative endeavour that enables schools to enrich their immediate surroundings. Schools commission him to design and excute three-dimensional and bas-relief artworks in hard and softwoods, stone, mild and stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, ceramics, cast concete, plaster of Paris and fibreglass.
David has a personal approach to creative thinking. He matches what is already avaiable in the school so that his work blends into the environment, thus enhancing both the hard and soft landscaping.
His book , "The Magic of Paper Sculpture" provides templates you can make available to your class. It is about encouraging a way of thinking and seeing. When a teacher gives sheets of blank white paper to a class, and asks the students to design sculpture from them, he/she is taking the students to a creative space within which they will need to use the right hemisphere of the brain.
When students are fully utilising this side of the brain they become more creative. The incessant chatter of the mind ceases and instead time passes pleasurably. The feeling of accomplishment that students experience when they have worked in this way is empowering.
Once you have tried working with your class in this way, I am sure you will want to develop the skills, style and medium further.
He also works in a discipline called Environmental Sculpture. This is a creative endeavour that enables schools to enrich their immediate surroundings. Schools commission him to design and excute three-dimensional and bas-relief artworks in hard and softwoods, stone, mild and stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, ceramics, cast concete, plaster of Paris and fibreglass.
David has a personal approach to creative thinking. He matches what is already avaiable in the school so that his work blends into the environment, thus enhancing both the hard and soft landscaping.
His book , "The Magic of Paper Sculpture" provides templates you can make available to your class. It is about encouraging a way of thinking and seeing. When a teacher gives sheets of blank white paper to a class, and asks the students to design sculpture from them, he/she is taking the students to a creative space within which they will need to use the right hemisphere of the brain.
When students are fully utilising this side of the brain they become more creative. The incessant chatter of the mind ceases and instead time passes pleasurably. The feeling of accomplishment that students experience when they have worked in this way is empowering.
Once you have tried working with your class in this way, I am sure you will want to develop the skills, style and medium further.
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
Creative Arts Students benefit from learning about Life's Balance. Fame and the stress of fortune can be managed if students are well prepared ahead of time.
I have recently trialed an E-course written by Jerry Lopper and begun bringing an awareness of the need for balance to the Creative Arts Students I teach.
When teachers talk to Creative Arts Students about living a balanced life, they are not “talking about achieving an outcome or arriving at a destination." Lesson 4
Artists need to monitor feelings throughout the day. By monitoring how comfortable they feel, students can gauge how they react when faced with set backs or challenges.
Because the artistic life is thwart with competition, it is calming to focus on what Jerry calls the five comfort zones.
When teachers talk to Creative Arts Students about living a balanced life, they are not “talking about achieving an outcome or arriving at a destination." Lesson 4
Artists need to monitor feelings throughout the day. By monitoring how comfortable they feel, students can gauge how they react when faced with set backs or challenges.
Because the artistic life is thwart with competition, it is calming to focus on what Jerry calls the five comfort zones.
- Think about your life’s purpose often and deeply. Ask, "Why am I really doing this?"
- Devote as much energy and time as you can to personal passions, Become involved and proactive. This will boost self esteem and enhance relationships with others.
- Develop and utilise personal powers in nearly every aspect of your daily lives so that gifts and talents are developed to the full. This will help you feel good about your achievements,
- Design a set of personal principles. Students who think about their personal values find it easier when they face difficult choices or if life seems unfair. (Someone else gets that part!)
- Focusing from a positive, healthy, and optimistic perspective students become able to draw on their own internal resources when workload is high or challenges seem formidable.
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
This is an inexpensive recipe for a kind of clay that is rough and porous. It is ideal for tactile projects such as worry beads and cameo sculptures.
This recipe requires a cooking session either with your class or as preparation. Both the Artful Crafter and Pioneer Thinking describe the recipe in the same way.
Materials
For a finishing touch gently sandpaper or smooth with an emery board.
The rough beads are have a rustic aura. Lightly sanding with an emery board will smooth the beads but that could turn out to be a tedious endeavour. Painting them with both acrylic or oils would also work well.
The articles Handmade Beaded Jewelry For Mother and How To Make Rosary Beads show you how to put your new found skill at the craft of bead making to good use.
Materials
- Salt
- Water
- Corn Starch
- Mix 2 cups salt and 2/3 cup water in a pan.
- Mix 1 cup cornstarch and ½ cup of cold water in a bowl and sit the mixture close by.
- As you heat the mixture stir continuously (the dough might burn so practice well in advance of your class)
- Quickly remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch and water. If mixture is too thin, return to low heat and stir constantly.
- Wrap in a plastic sealer wrap and store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
- Vegetable dye can be used to colour the dough.
- The material should be like a like bread dough. Knead it until smooth and pliable.
- Roll the beads in your palms. (cold cream into them before you begin)
- Color can be added during cooking or kneading. Beads could also be painted when they are dry.
For a finishing touch gently sandpaper or smooth with an emery board.
- Thread the beads on a greased (vaselined) wire and set this across a shoe box to dry.
- Wait approximately 2 days for the beads to dry. If you need them more quickly preheat oven to 180 Centigrade, and after turning off the heat, place the beads still on the wire over a pan in the oven.
The rough beads are have a rustic aura. Lightly sanding with an emery board will smooth the beads but that could turn out to be a tedious endeavour. Painting them with both acrylic or oils would also work well.
The articles Handmade Beaded Jewelry For Mother and How To Make Rosary Beads show you how to put your new found skill at the craft of bead making to good use.
Posted by
Jo Murphy
Jo Murphy
An Art lesson about making useful, cost effective and attractive presents. Show students that they do not need to spend much money to make classy paper beaded jewelry.
Paper beads featured on Tania's Habitat are so attractive it is difficult to believe that they could be so cheap and easy to make. Threadbanger on Utube shows us how to make simple paper beads using only a glue stick. A more versatile glue medium would make even classier results.
Materials
Cut the paper into triangular strips so that they roll evenly into a twirled ball. Before you begin arrange the strips so that the twirling will create an attractive design.
Gluing
Lay the glue out onto a tray and drag the paper through, covering both sides and remove excess. Cover the entire surface of each piece of paper. Where there is no glue will eventually bubble up or buckle.
Rolling
Roll the paper onto thick toothpicks that have been greased with vaseline to prevent to beads from sticking. As you twirl it will turn into a thick bead. Use thick tooithpicks meant for spiking cheerios, so that when you pull them out of the beads, the hole will be large enough for the thread to go through. An orange or a flower sponge can act as a stand for the spiked beads. They are not to touch up against each other .
Finishing
Once dry, paint the beads with acrylic paint. Spray them with varnish, or, shellac for an antique look. Experiment. with 'stick ons' such as glitter letters or stencilled coloured paper. Glue them so that they spell names or words.
The articles Handmade Beaded Jewelry For Mother and How To Make Rosary Beads show you how to put your new found skill at the craft of bead making to good use.
Materials
- A "Wet" Area
- Paper and additives (Boganvillia petals, paper bark, gift wrap)
- adhesive such as PVA or Decoupage Glue,
- plastic trays
- toothpicks and vasaline
- glitter letters or paper letters cut from coloured card
- acrylic paints and brushes
Cut the paper into triangular strips so that they roll evenly into a twirled ball. Before you begin arrange the strips so that the twirling will create an attractive design.
Gluing
Lay the glue out onto a tray and drag the paper through, covering both sides and remove excess. Cover the entire surface of each piece of paper. Where there is no glue will eventually bubble up or buckle.
Rolling
Roll the paper onto thick toothpicks that have been greased with vaseline to prevent to beads from sticking. As you twirl it will turn into a thick bead. Use thick tooithpicks meant for spiking cheerios, so that when you pull them out of the beads, the hole will be large enough for the thread to go through. An orange or a flower sponge can act as a stand for the spiked beads. They are not to touch up against each other .
Finishing
Once dry, paint the beads with acrylic paint. Spray them with varnish, or, shellac for an antique look. Experiment. with 'stick ons' such as glitter letters or stencilled coloured paper. Glue them so that they spell names or words.
The articles Handmade Beaded Jewelry For Mother and How To Make Rosary Beads show you how to put your new found skill at the craft of bead making to good use.
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