They cut into the square from all
sides, pulling to the outside what was
cut away. This activity is sometimes
called "expansion of the square" and
is a simple task that creates stunning results. This is also an excellent warm-up that allows students
to get used to the knife and to gain
confidence in their ability to come up
with strong compositions. Younger
students can use scissors in place of
X-Acto knives.
Paper Stories
After practicing their paper cutting
skills, students brainstormed what
their own paper stories might be.
They created thumbnails in their
sketchbooks and talked with one
another about their proposed designs.
The process recorded in their sketchbooks helps me (and them) to understand what it is they are trying to
communicate. Some paper stories are
simple like a haiku, and others are
more complex.
Next, I gave each student a sheet
of 22 x 34" (56 x 56 cm) black card
paper with which to cut
their designs. I told
them that there
are no right
ways or wrong ways to complete
this project—only thoughtful ways.
When the work was complete, I asked
students to write a paragraph on the
meaning behind their designs.
My students love this unit; it
allows lots of room for interpretation
and creativity. One of my former foundations students used paper cuts this
year as the main medium in her twoyear-long investigation, and the cover
of our recent school bulletin featured
a student paper story. This inspired
everyone.
My students are proud that they
have discovered a beautiful way to tell
their own stories.
Kendra Farrell is an art teacher at the
International School of Beijing and is the
founder of the Ning site, Asia Region Art
Educators. ararte.ning.com
NaTioNal
STaNdard
Students create artworks that use
organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual arts problems.
WeB
liNkS
pinterest.com/kenfar/paper
http://www.ted.com/talks/beatrice_
coron_stories_cut_from_paper.html
Kristine.
Irina.
schoolartsonline.com
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