Prior to our first project, the students learned about the history of graffiti and engaged in open discussion whether or not graffiti was art or vandalism. The essential questions that were used to guide that discussion have been interwoven within every project of this unit for depth. I feel like during this unit students have a general respect for Street Art but also understand the controversy that results from these kind of artwork.
The first project we completed was the graffiti word project shown below. This process emphasized blending and gradient techniques with paint and graphic design.
Simultaneously, under the guidance of a PFAA Senior, the 8th grade class painted a graffiti mural reflecting their individual culture for their Legacy Project. This project is at the end of our hallway and will remain on the wall for the next 4 years. It looks pretty amazing! This project and process was such a success that we will continue creating graffiti murals during this unit for future Legacy Projects on the surrounding walls.
The next project, Skateboard Stencil Deck Design, explored the artist Banksy and the manner in which his stencil graffiti evokes public response. The students then made stencils and temporarily tagged the campus using baby powder. This is an idea I gleaned from Ian Sands, an art teacher I admire and follow closely.
After tagging the campus and testing stencils, students practiced spray painted their stencil on a collaborative paper "wall" to gain a better understanding for spray paint application.
The last step of this project was designing and stenciling their skateboard deck. For a start up project, I think this went REALLY well and I already have plans to develop more graphic deck designs next year!
The last project we will try this year is the Collaborative Interactive Mural. I personally like to end a unit with a collaborative piece so that students can come together and share their learning. This is another project I borrowed from Ian Sands and will be starting this Monday. Like all new projects I feel nervousness and anxiety, but I strongly believe the kids will LOVE this art form and once again, be super engaged with the learning. Here is an example of what they will do. Wish me luck!
Oh! most of these projects were successful because we got to be in the sunny, outdoors. However, I did develop a "Rainy Day" tech Street Art Project borrowed by another rock star art teacher named Adam Schwaninger at Schoo Middle School. This project is called "Inkless Tattoos" and although Adam uses GIMP, I adapted the project so that it could be performed with an iPad. My lesson is linked here if you would like to try it out!
