KIDS SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 8

Artist: Lincoln, age 3

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This week we focused on FAVORITE SONG.  Recently this has been my son's favorite favorite past time.  He sits on the couch and listens to CD's, following along with the liner notes.  Because of the sheer volume of music he's been listening to, and my reluctance to hear the same songs over and over again, this new phase had me going bonkers.  But then I re-discovered Spotify!  Although, of course, I had listened to my own music on it- I never thought of it for kids music.  I'm letting the secret out: it is a treasure trove of children's music, everything from Wee Sing Fingerplays to They Might Be Giants.  My son is in heaven and I don't have to bash my head against the wall with the 70th re-listening of Music Together.  For this challenge, Lincoln chose a song by Raffi called "Baby Beluga" which is about a whale.  He even drew a picture of the play button on the computer to exemplify that this is a 'song' not just a 'picture'.  Next week, let's illustrate our FAVORITE CANDY.

HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD

WILL RYMAN: BIRD

March 25, 2013- April 21, 2013

Flatiron Plaza

NYC Department of Transportation's Urban Art Program and the Flatiron/ 23rd Street Partnership

Spring has arrived: the Magnolia trees are blooming, the the sun is shining and the birds are certainly chirping.  On your way to Eataly, you may have noticed this wondrous winged fellow by artist Will Ryman.  As part of the DOT's new program to install temporary art in sites across the city, this huge bird made out of oversized "actual and fabricated nails" will be roosting through the rest of the weekend.  Coming out of the subway, this prickly piece looks like a sentinel to the hustling metropolis of the Flatiron district.  

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. Why do you think the artist used nails to construct this bird?  What is the message of the medium?

2. Does this bird look friendly or fearsome?  Why do you think the bird is carrying a rose in his mouth?

3. Looking at the bird from the back, the sculpture looks abstract and as you walk around it turns into the image-- this was intentional by the artist.  He has said "it's like looking at something with a magnifying glass."  Try it out-- do you find this to be true?

LINKS TO DIVE DEEPER:

*This "Bird" sculpture was originally shown at the Paul Kasmin Gallery.

*A Huffington Post interview with the artist. 

*Will Ryman's website. 

EXTENSIONS:

photo: Preschool Playbook

It would be fun to make your own pointed animal.  If a sculpture out of nails seems too intimidating, why not paint a prickly porcupine?  Preschool Playbook has a cute painting activity that takes zero preparation besides pouring the paint and grabbing a plastic fork.  We'll be trying it this weekend!

KIDS SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 6

Artist: Lincoln, 3

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This week was the theme FAVORITE CHARACTER FROM A BOOK.  Lincoln decided to go with the dog, Angus, from the book Angus Lost by Marjorie Flack.  If you aren't familiar with Marjorie Flack's books, I definitely recommend checking them out.  The stories are filled with animals, suspense, and very cool illustrations.  Fill me in on your child's favorite books- we're always looking for new authors to discover at the library.  Next week's topic is FAVORITE TOY.  

LINKS OF INTEREST

photo: via AMC

* Flavorwire took on the imaginary job of art buyer at Sterling Cooper Draper Price and redecorated the agency's office with famous artwork.  What a great exercise in character development and art history!  What would the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba hang on their walls?  Im thinking Foofa would definitely hang a Georgia O'Keeffe in her land (since she's so into flowers.) Plex would probably be into Space Invader.  What about the others?

photo: Mommy Poppins via Contemporary Arts Center

*Mommy Poppins recommends the top child-friendly exhibits to see this Spring.  We'll definitely be checking out some of these, so tune in for reviews and additional information.  I'm especially jazzed to see the Spectacle exhibit celebrating the music video at the Museum of Modern Image.  

photo: NY Times

*In the article "Does Anyone Here Speak Art and Tech?", the NY Times questions why new media millionaires aren't using their money to break into the art world and what will happen to the art world without that money?

KIDS SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 5

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This week was the theme BEST FRIEND.  This was definitely open to loose interpretation, as presented by my son's drawing "Alien."  He has three eyes and is holding a lollypop- that's how you know he's friendly.  What did your child decide to draw?  Send any entries to me or leave link on the comment, and I will post them next week.  Feel free to look at the past entry ideas for further art project inspiration or just start with the topic of next week: FAVORITE CHARACTER FROM A BOOK.  I look forward to seeing all the artwork!

ALIGHIERO BOETTI: LA FORZA DEL CENTRO

ART SHOW: 

Alighiero Boetti: La Forza del Centro

Gladstone Gallery

515 W. 24th Street

through March 23 (sorry, you missed it!)

Part of the arte povera (literally: "poor art") movement, this Italian artist (1940-1994) aimed to create works of art out of modest materials meant to take art off its highbrow pedestal.  Many of his ideas were executed (per his loose direction) by others.  These embroidered alphabet grids ("arazzi") were embroidered by Pakistani and Afghan artisans, who selected and combined colors according to their own ideas.  In order to really appreciate these colorful word treats, a working knowledge of Italian is required to pick up on the word plays and phrases within.  But for the non-Italian literate, these charming and vivid patterns are still worth a look (especially for the littles who are obsessed with the alphabet!)

photo: Michou Mahtani

photo: Michou Mahtani

photo: Michou Mahtani

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. What differences/ similarities do you see in these pieces?

2. Why do you think the pieces are grouped as they are?  And why do you think the artist chose to make these grids in so many different sizes?

3. These pieces are all hand embroidered by artisans.  How would these be different if they were simply painted or done with crayons?

4. Look at one of the pieces and see if you can find any phrases or anagrams that you recognize in the alphabet.  

5. Many of the Arte Povera artists made works of art that appealed to all five senses.  How do these embroidered pieces do that?  Does the embroidery make you want to touch them?

6. What is the mood of these works?

LINKS TO GO DEEPER:

MOMA curators talk about the artist and "The Radical Decade" in this video

Watch the preview (or better yet, find the full length version) of the video essay "Tea" by Mario Garcia Torres which "documents an artistic gesture surrounding Alghiero Boetti's One Hotel in Afghanistan."  

Check out some of the other projects that Boetti did with Afghan artisans.

EXTENSIONS:

For kids:

*What kind of project can you do using the alphabet?  Get out markers, scissors, bric brac and construction paper and let yourself be inspired by Alighero Boetti.

For Parents:

* The arte povera movement was influenced by 1968 student protests started in Paris and eventually all over Europe.  The Occupy movement is also disenchanted by the establishment.  There were makeshift art shows that cropped up in response to this shift in thinking.  Take a look at some:

hyperallergic 

CNN

Gothamist

KIDS SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 4

Lincoln, age 3

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This time was HOME.  My son decided to embellish his dream home with a snowman out front.  What did your child come up with?  Email me the finished product and I'll post it next week-- as well as the topic for next week, BEST FRIEND.  I look forward to seeing your entries!

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: GAGOSIAN GALLERY

ART SHOW:

Jean-Michel Basquiat
Gagosian Gallery- 555 W. 24th Street
February 7, 2013 - April 6, 2013

This extensive exhibit is a perfect introduction to Basquiat's brief and prolific career (and life: he died at age 27.)  Featuring over 50 works spanning about 6 rooms of gallery space, the art features his signature of graffiti, oil paints and collage.  The words scrawled across his works often act as poetry or puns- great fun for emergent readers (and their parents.)  There's hero adoration here, from jazz riffs on Charlie Parker/ Ornothology to tributes to boxing champ, Cassius Clay.  Additionally, there's much political content to be dissected.  This body of work is as fresh now as ever, proving Basquiat's legendary art-star status.

photos by Michou Mahtani

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. Select one of the paintings, and use the words to write a poem or song inspired by the painting.
2. Explore the symbolism of the "crown" that Basquiat uses.  Can you think of a symbol to represent our current culture?
3. Basquiat's tag was SAMO which stood for "Same old, same old."  Pick a tag name for yourself and your friends with hidden meaning.
4. Look at the subjects that Basquiat chose to portray as heroes.  Think of a hero in your own life that you could characterize in your own work of art.
5. What do you think the term "visual poetry" means and how does it relate to these works?
6. Basquiat said that the words he crosses out are the ones to pay attention to.  Look at some examples of this and see if you think that works the way he intended.

LINKS TO GET INTO IT:

Gagosian video of the entire exhibition.

Review of the show from the NY Times.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child Trailer.  Watch the whole film on Netflix Instant.


EXTENSIONS:

For Parents: Watch Julian Schnabel's fantastic 1996 biopic, Basquiat, which covers the artist's meteoric rise as an artist and stars Jeffrey Wright (and a great performance by David Bowie as Andy Warhol.)  On Netflix Instant.

For Kids: This fun website was a go-along to the past Brooklyn Museum show of Basquiat where you can make your own graffiti inspired works online.

KID'S SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 3

Lincoln, Age 3

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This time was FAVORITE FOOD.  I have to admit that I was very surprised with this out-of-the-box choice by my son...who is not a picky eater, but still...surprising choice!  Catch up in your sketchbooks and send in the entries for next week's theme-- HOME.  I look forward to seeing your children's works of art!

ART I HEART

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, here's some rainbows!!  Hope you all find a pot of gold this year.

Balthus

George Inness

Charles and Ray Eames

'

Grandma Moses

Marc Chagall

Peter Max

Roy Lichtenstein

Wassily Kandinsky

Yaacov Agam

SIGN LANGUAGE

STEVE POWERS: FIRST AND FIFTEENTH/ ICY SIGNS

Steve Powers has reinvented the sign.  This prolific graffiti artist turned studio artist has rejuvenated neighborhoods in Philly and New York with witty, thought provoking murals.  Most recently, downtown Brooklyn has gotten the royal treatment when the Downtown Brooklyn Alliance commissioned him to beautify the neighborhood.  The word plays are often playful and the large scale murals are mesmerizing-- perfect for a walking tour with the kids.  Finish your tour at his new store, Icy Signs-- 72 Fourth Avenue at Bergen Street.  In the same vein as Keith Haring's Pop Shop, it's a great spot to pick up one of his calendars or an insanely bright raincoat (or, of course, any of his paintings to hang in your living room.)  Follow his Tumblr, Daily Metalations, and read a new sign every day.  

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. Think about the font as well as the words...how does one play off of the other?

2. How does the artist integrate his pieces into the surroundings?

3. Some of the messages are almost like poetry-- what are some interpretations of his words?

LINKS TO DIVE DEEPER:

Icy Signs Tumblr

Vice Magazine Art Talk: Steve Powers

Watch the trailer for an upcoming documentary called "Sign Painters" (via The World's Best Ever) to learn more about the history of sign making.

EXTENSIONS:

Take a trip to Coney Island and see if you and the kids can find the work that he did there.  Enjoy a Nathans Hot Dog and some rides while you're there.  And when you get home, pull out the markers and stencils and have the kids take a whack at coming up with their own signs...maybe an update on the KEEP OUT!  NO PARENTS ALLOWED?

KIDS SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE 2

Lincoln, age 3

In this sketchbook challenge, we are drawing/ painting/ creating based off a new theme each week.  This week's spring idea was FLOWER.  You can see that my son drew a pretty confused flower...with all the snow we've been having it's understandable!  Feel free to catch up on the challenge before next week, and submit any entries to me in the comments section.  This is a good way to start a little drawing journal/ keepsake for your kids!  Next week is FAVORITE FOOD.  Happy creating!

LINKS OF INTEREST

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated across the U.S. by amateur drinkers glugging green beer.  Is there a way for us to enjoy some Colcannon (I prefer it with kale) with the cheese that usually accompanies the holiday?  Here's a couple suggestions:

1. Ombre Shamrocks

This cool project (via Lollyjane.com) would be a great way to help kids understand about tones.  Instead of just being throwaway crafty, the finished project actually comes out quite beautiful.  If your kids are too young for all the intricate cutting, just cut the pieces and hand them the glue stick.  Arranging these in order of the shades is really satisfying for some kids and I love that the supplies (paint chips) are practically free!  

1. Snag some green paint chips in different hues from the paint section of your local home improvement store, {or Walmart where I got mine.} Cut them up by hue.  2. I originally used a heart punch for the Valentine art but the shamrocks looked too chubby so I simply drew a heart on the back of a chip, cut it out and then in half to make a pattern.  Fold each paint chip in half, trace the half heart 3x’s and cut out: you now have some cute dimensional hearts.  Repeat, repeat, repeat…  3. Start hot glueing hearts in 3′s {forming a shamrock} in rows by hue.  I snagged a few sticks off my tamarack tree to create a stem for my shamrocks and simply glued them in between the 3 hearts.    4. Frame your art in a cute funky frame and display with your current St. Patrick’s Day decor.

It may also be an appropriate time to inspire with the great color theorist, Josef Albers.

2. Grow Shamrocks

 The symbol of the holiday is the shamrock (oxalis plant.)  These are pretty easy to find at floral stores this time of year and would be a great treat for kids to water, give sun, and take care of.  Not only will the plant bring your family luck, but there may even be a four leaf clover in there.  Have the kids spend an afternoon looking!  Chicagoparents.com gives the step by step on how to grow them.  

3. Sunday Bloody Sunday

(Mural by Bogside Artists depicting those killed.)

Dig into a little Irish history lesson about the fated day known as Bloody Sunday.  One Sunday in 1972, 26 unarmed Civil Rights protesters were shot by British soldiers- causing escalating violence around Northern Ireland.  The incident is interesting in and of itself, but also inspired intense artistic reactions- which could be fun to explore with your olden children.

U2- "Sunday Bloody Sunday"

Paul McCartney- "Give Ireland Back to the Irish" (This song was banned in the UK.)

Nobel Prize winning poet, Seamus Heaney, reads his poem "Casualty" about the events:

Seamus Heaney - Casualty - Video Dailymotion

THOMAS LANIGAN-SHMIDT: TENDER LOVE AMONG THE JUNK

ART SHOW:

Thomas Lanigan- Schmidt: Tender Love Among the Junk
MOMA PS1
November 18, 2012- April 1, 2013

The Catholic Church, homosexuality, and religious iconography are not usually child-friendly topics.  In this colorful, gaudy, exciting show-- these topics are covered with the kind of pizazz usually reserved for decorating an Indian restaurant.  The artist uses candy wrappers, tinfoil, streamers, plastic bottles, plastic gem stones, aluminum baking pans to create altars and shrines.  The glitter and colors actually elevate the material used to become things of pure beauty, that can be appreciated at any age.

 

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. Look closely and see if you can identify three different types of materials used.

2. Why do you think the artist used so many different colors?

3. The artist's work reflects a lot on spirituality-- how do these rooms make you feel?  Many people go to church to feel at peace, uplifted, solace...do these rooms make you feel this way?

LINKS TO GET INTO IT:

MOMA Studio Tour Video with the artist.

MOMA PS1 website-- helpful link to visiting and more about the artist.

NY Times Review about the show.

EXTENSIONS:

For Parents:

While visiting the exhibit, be sure to feed yourselves at the extraordinary offbeat restaurant, M. Wells Dinette.  With communal dining tables, crayons and pads of paper for drawing and unbelievable concoctions like fois gras oatmeal or maple whoopie pies.  There's definitely something for everyone- we ordered a flaky, buttery croissant for our tot and then made sure to share bites of the unusual to help build his developing palette.

For Kids:

Use this opportunity to make some animal sculptures out of tinfoil.  Find some bric brac, googly eyes, feathers, paint and a hot glue gun to make something really special.  Show this picture of Lanigan-Schmidt's "syphilitic rat" and let their creativity take hold.

VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

Valentines Making Party in a blizzard... We made these from a kit by Paper Source.