MIDTERM

Over the past few weeks, I have started to touch upon the question of “what is new media?” A possible project that I have created for a high school art class addresses that question. The project I have developed is inspired, and revolves around the work done by Andy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy is an artist who uses nature as his medium, to create temporary sculptures all over the world.
I think that this project would be great for students to do at the end of the school year, sometime in the spring. It is a great opportunity to get the kids outside, and do artwork that they do not normally get the chance to do. Unfortunately because nature is a large part of this project, I do not think it would be possible to do in an urban environment.
The project would begin by devoting a class period to watch a documentary on Andy Goldsworthy. This class period would give the students an opportunity to understand what Andy Goldsworthy’s work is about. I would not introduce the project until after the documentary was viewed. This is because I do not want the students to become overwhelmed by trying to think of an idea before anything has even started. After watching the movie, I will give a brief description of the project that will be started in the next class period.
I would allow students to work alone, or in groups. I would encourage students to work in small groups of 2-3. The project would take place all around the perimeter of the school. Each group or student will be required to make a temporary sculpture inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s work. The medium used will include, but not limited to sticks, rocks, branches, dirt etc. that is found in the woods around the school. Before starting, each group must have preliminary sketches, and a spot I approve of to construct their sculpture. The first class period would consist of gathering of materials, and making sketches. I would then allow the students to work on their projects for 1-2 more class periods.
The “big idea” of this project is to address new media. I think that the term new media is constantly looked at as another word for digital media. Is new media really digital? Or is it something that is just non-traditional? This project will force students to address that question, and work in a manner that they never have before. A lot of students go through high school thinking of art as a finished image with four sides to it and a frame around it. This project is necessary for high school students because it will force their minds to think of art in a whole new way.

Overview:

Project: Andy Goldsworthy inspired temporary sculpture.
Big idea: What is new media? What is art?
Audience: High School Grades 9-12
Goal: To break out of the understanding that art belongs in a frame inside a museum.
Why it is necessary: This project is necessary for high school students because it will force their minds to think of art in a whole new way.
What makes it engaging: this project is engaging simply because the students are able to be outside working on a project that everyone will see.