Altered Books!

Waves

For the first time this year I am teaching 8th grade elective courses.  The first up was a class called Altered Books.  I had the most fun researching, learning and being inspired by the concept of Altered Books, as well as looking at artists who work in this medium.  I had never really given them much thought, but as always, teaching something to others allows you to understand it in a deeper and more meaningful way.  We began by looking at a number of exciting examples and talking about the process of getting there.  For example, do you want to work conceptually or sculpturally?  What do you want to say with your book?  Is about about a social justice issue, something personal, or do you want to focus on artistic form?  What outside materials would assist you in this journey?  What shape, size and book content will you choose to work with?..and what happened after that was just amazing!

Paper Wonderland

Pixie Hollow

 Remember, the fun and learning, no matter what the activity, is in the process.  As an artist and an art teacher I am more focused on the experience then I am with the product...The funny thing is when you teach and work that way, you often get a product you are proud of.

Vanishing Acts

 The books were mostly donated, discarded books from libraries. I had enough varying books for all students to have a choice.  Large, small, hard, soft, thick, thin, fiction, non-fiction, children's books..you name it and it was there!  Many things informed their choice, including the title, the shape, the content, the weight, etc.  Like I mentioned in the Vision Board post, you can allow the book to call to you, and many did that, using that calling as inspiration.  Others looked for a very specific kind of book for their journey.  This course ended with an Artist Statement about their work, and a gallery showcase where all the 8th grade students and teachers were able to come and see their finished work.

Deeper then the Dead: Behind the Scenes