Plaster Masks

5th grade artists recently created plaster masks, which took us several weeks. We began by discussing masks, why we wear masks, and learning about masks around the world. Students connected masks to Halloween, as well as masquerade parties and even sports. We talked about how masks can help you hide your identity, or assume a different one. They can also help protect your face, or just be worn for fun.

We learned that masks have a long history and have been created, used, and worn by cultures all over the world. They are also made from a variety of different materials. For example, in ancient Egypt, masks were used to dress the faces of the dead. Royal death masks were made of gold and bronze and meant to look like the person. In Japan, samurai masks were designed to instill fear in opponents, as well as protect the wearer. They were often made of iron and leather. In Italy, during the Carnival Festival in Venice, elaborate masks are worn to provide mystery. And in West Africa, masks are used in religious ceremonies to communicate with spirits and ancestors. Many are made with wood, ivory or clay.  

After learning about masks, students sketched out design ideas for their own plaster mask. Many students were inspired by popular culture, super heroes, symbols, and sports. We also took turns cutting plaster strips, to prepare for mask making. Mask making was done in two sessions, with half the class making their mask one week, and half the class making their mask the following week. The class also came early to art class, so that we would have enough time to complete three layers of plaster. Thank you to the 5th grade teachers for making extra time for this project!

To make their plaster mask, students began with a plastic mask form that was covered with Vaseline, so that their finished mask would slip off easily when dry. Students dipped pieces of dry plaster in water, then placed them on their plastic mask form and smoothed them with wet fingers to make the plaster come out and cover the holes.

Students made sure to overlap their strips and could choose whether to leave the eye holes open or closed, as well as the mouth. This depended on their design. After three layers of plaster, the masks were left to dry. 

After our plaster mask making sessions, students got their dry mask back and were ready to paint! We used acrylic paint (instead of tempera paint, which we usually use) so that they paint would stay on and not flake off the mask later. Students noticed that the acrylic paint dried quickly. 

Students spent two to three classes painting their masks, considering how to paint their design in layers so that they could add details on top. Depending on the design, some students had to paint their mask all one color, or two colors, before adding details on top. Other students began with the white base of the mask and painted details directly on top.

On our last mask making class, student added extra details using a variety of different materials. Some students added ears to their animal mask, or feathers to a masquerade inspired mask. One student, who created an Egyptian inspired mask, added the headpiece as well as a snake at the top.

The following class we worked on artist statements for our masks. An artist statement is a written explanation of an artist's work. You can tell the viewer about the motivation and inspiration behind your design, how you made your work, and any additional information you want the viewer to know. Students typed up their artist statements so they could be accompany their mask on display. 

Nasim, 5th grade (Domermuth Fantasia)
"Fire Demon"

Jack D., 5th grade (Domermuth Fantasia)
"American Flag"

Adrina, 5th grade (Bellis)
"Webs"

Anita, 5th grade (Domermuth Fantasia)
"King Tut"

Ashley, 5th grade (Twomey)
"The Many Paths"

Esmeralda, 5th grade (Twomey)
"Ocean City"

Kailee, 5th grade (Domermuth Fantasia)
"Pikachu"

Camila, 5th grade (Domermuth Fantasia)
"Miraculous Ladybug"

Each 5th grade class will have their masks on display for a week in the glass case downstairs on the first floor, near the lobby entrance to Hosmer. This week is Ms. Domermuth and Ms. Fantasia's class. After our April vacation, Mrs. Bellis' class will have their masks on display, followed by Mr. Twomey and then Mrs. Psychoghios. Be sure to read their artist statements to find out more about their masks!

  

Thank You for Coming to the Art Show Reception!

Thank you to all the families that made it to the art show reception last night! Despite the snowy weather (for the "spring" art show...), we had a good turn out at the Watertown Mall and many Hosmer families were in attendance! Below are some photos of the displays and the reception. 

If you have not had a chance to see the exhibition, artwork will be on display until April 25, so go check it out! It is at the Watertown Mall, near Target.

Hosmer Artists Featured in The Raider Times

Two of our Hosmer artists, Cammy and Evey, are featured in an article in The Raider Times about the WPS Art Show! Click the link below to check it out.

http://raidertimes.com/news/2016/04/01/annual-watertown-student-art-show-lines-up-nicely/

Watertown Public Schools Art Exhibition

The annual Watertown Public Schools Art Exhibition is taking place this April! Artwork will be on display at the Watertown Mall (the one with Target) from April 2nd - April 25th. There will be a reception for students and families on Monday evening, April 4th, from 5-7pm. Please join us!

Romero Britto Inspired Embossed Metal Artworks

Continuing our exploration of Brazil, as part of our Arts Around the World curriculum this year for 2nd grade, we learned about contemporary Brazilian artist, Romero Britto. Britto was born and raised in Brazil and now lives and works in Miami, Florida. He still makes artwork today and is well known for his art, which is on display in many museums around the world and also in public spaces, such as airports, parks, and shopping areas.

Romero Britto, Children of the World (2006)

We looked at some examples of his artwork and students noticed the bold lines, colorful patterns, shapes, and fun, playful nature. We brainstormed our own ideas for artwork, inspired by Britto's style. 

Romero Britto, A Brand New Day (2006)

Students came up with four different sketches for ideas, focusing on one object -- such as a shape, symbol, food, animal, or alphabet letter -- and adding different lines, shapes and patterns to that design. Students then selected their favorite sketch and drew it on a square piece of paper, using a Sharpie to outline their shapes and lines and make those lines thicker.

The following class, students learned about embossing, which is a technique where you carve, mold or stamp a design on a surface, like paper or metal, so that it stands out in relief. The two materials typically used for embossing are paper and metal. Metal embossing is used to put a design on metal sheets. The metal is pushed with an embossing tool or stylus to create a raised effect on the opposite side. 

Students taped their design on top of an aluminum sheet, so it would not move around. Then they placed this on top of a piece of felt, which provided a softer surface to work on. Using a wooden stylus, students pressed down on all their drawn lines. Students were amazed to see their lines coming through, creating a bumpy raised design on the opposite side of the metal sheet! 

After they went over all their lines once, they removed the paper on top and went over all their lines again with a blunt pencil. This creates a bumpy texture that you can see on both sides of the metal, but we used the side where the lines were raised. After students were done embossing, they used colored Sharpie markers to color in the areas in between the raised lines of their design. The lines created borders for their shapes, and we discussed color choice and how to use complementary colors to help their designs and patterns stand out.

The final step involved getting the metal hot glued to a background color, creating a frame for their work. Below are some examples of our finished embossed metal artworks, inspired by Romero Britto: 

Priya, 2nd grade (O'Leary)

Gavin, 2nd grade (O'Leary)

Mia, 2nd grade (O'Leary)

Lory, 2nd grade (O'Leary)

Ethan, 2nd grade (O'Leary)

Yulissa, 2nd grade (McIsaac)

Pedro, 2nd grade (McIsaac)

Karolena, 2nd grade (McIsaac)

Maria Clara, 2nd grade (Pearse)

Lily L., 2nd grade (Pearse)

Deakin, 2nd grade (O'Connor)

Destanie, 2nd grade (McCarthy)

Raffi, 2nd grade (O'Connor)

Aliah, 2nd grade (McCarthy)

Brixton, 2nd grade (O'Connor)

Connor H., 2nd grade (O'Connor)

Ella, 2nd grade (McCarthy)