3rd Grade

Junk Designs

Inspired by the Sculptor Louise Nevelson

"I don't demand that all work be a masterpiece.

What I am doing is the right thing for me – that is what I am and this is living.

It reflects me and I reflect it."

Louise Nevelson

The third graders had a brief introduction into the life and work of American sculptor, Louise Nevelson.  Nevelson utilized found objects in her monochromatic sculptures.  Often, her objects of choice were wood scraps.  Our guess is that she found inspiration in her childhood days at her father's workplace- the lumberyard.

We paid close attention to her ability to balance her designs and repeat patterns even while the overall look sometimes seemed chaotic.  When it came time for the third graders to create their own designs, we utilized the junk that surrounds us every day in the Art room!  (Yes, I will admit that there was plenty of junk to choose from!!!)  The students first divided their papers into spaces with a simple ruler and then went hunting for junk.  The only rules were to try and repeat one object in one space for patterns and most importantly, to return the objects where they were found!

Just like Louise, we were able to take the most common objects and make them interesting with a little creativity!

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