Art is Out of this World

Spray Paint - Space Art

 
I've been busy making a few space art paintings.  It's a favorite of my students, not to mention fun to create when I have some time and the weather is just right (not too cold, hot or humid).  I'm not great at it, but do find it enjoyable to create.  These are painted on poster board that is 14" x 22".   Periodically I give one or two away in class. 
 


 

 
 
 

A Different "Type" of Art

With ever changing technology it's easy to forget where we started.  In this case, I'm referring to the typewriter.  When one thinks of a typewriter you might think of creating or filling in documents and the challenges of correcting mistakes.

What about using it for art?
 

A colleague of mine shared a video with me a while ago.  I found it inspiring.  We all have different abilities.  The most important thing is to do our best at whatever we attempt; and never give up on ourselves.  You never know who might be touched by your work, actions, or words.      

The artist, Paul Smith, featured in this video had cerebral palsy. Despite the physical challenges, he created beautifully detailed artwork using only a typewriter. 


Paul Smith (September 21, 1921 – June 25, 2007) American Typewriter Artist

 

Skateboards & STEAM?

Skateboards and STEAM?

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)
 
I came across a video today that got me thinking about this topic.

Part of teaching is to connect lessons to real world situations.  I love to make connections to other subject matter in my class as it relates to our artwork.  This makes learning more relevant.  When someone taps into something that is of personal interest we tend to want to get involved and sometimes even dig deeper than we would otherwise (I know I do anyway.).  
 
Art plays a part in the board design.  Graphic artists create all sorts of art that can be seen on skateboards today. 

How Skateboards are Made



A High School Art Class Designs Their Own Skateboards



You can also check out the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum to see how boards have changed over the years.  
 
Math and Science is involved when you consider the overall design of the board from wheels, shape, length, etc.  The principles of motion also come into play.  There's a lot of strategic thinking involved as the skater maneuvers through obstacles in their environment.  Check out some of these videos featuring, Bill Robertson, Ph. D. - Dr. Skateboard (Professor, Educator, Skateboarder, Action Scientist).


Simple Machines



Newton's First Law of Motion



Physics of Skateboarding


Read more on Edutopia.


Additional resources:

A Canadian school created an at-risk program that involves graphic design, making skateboards and selling them.  For video information click here.