It was a beautiful fall day. Fifth and sixth graders walked to the community garden just blocks from the school.
They were on a mission: to find interesting, ordinary, extraordinary, simple, natural objects that they could use to create characters and compelling vignettes.
A few weeks earlier, a student told Meg, FSMN art teacher, about the artist David Bird and his Becorns – tiny characters made from found natural objects. Together, Meg and the student introduced David Bird’s Becorns to the other students.
What did they think? What was intriguing about the artwork and the storytelling? What was inspiring about his creations? What stories were being told? What does his work say about nature and natural environments? How does his work make you feel about nature and being outside?
Meg decided that the collective curiosity was at critical mass. The class would create their own versions of Becorns.
What Materials Are We Looking For?
Before they went to the community garden, they reflected on David Bird’s work again – what natural materials could be used to create different elements of characters? As they gathered elements they were inspired and curious: this could be wings, this could be a sword, this could be a helmet, this could be a hat, this could be a DEMOGORGON!!!
Problem Solving, Patience, and Learning from Each Other
Over the course of a few weeks, students spent time gluing, drilling, and sanding to assemble their characters. They also looked for other materials in the art room that would help them realize their designs. This work was new to them and to Meg, their teacher. They experimented and learned together. What adhesives worked best? How do you use the drill to create eyes? What do you do when it doesn’t work? It required a lot of problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, patience, and experimentation.
A Community Member Can Help!
While they were putting together their characters, one of the students had an idea! Her dad is a professional photographer. Maybe he could come to school and take pictures of the students’ characters outside, just like David Bird?
Lucky for Friends School, Matt said he could come and take pictures (thank you Summer Street Photography for helping our students realize their creative vision).
Students As Art Directors
After everyone finished their characters, Meg worked with Shahzore, FSMN music teacher, to combine the fifth-and sixth-grade music and art classes so they had time to work with Matt to create and photograph their scenes.
It was a cold day. Students bundled up and headed outside to set up their characters. Matt talked to each student about their vision, and the students gave Matt direction for how to photograph their art.
The Final Work – It All Starts With Relationships
The final photographs reflect the students’ thoughtful curiosity, creativity, and hard work. Relationships are at the center of experimentation. Creativity requires bravery and trust that your ideas will be supported. At Friends School of Minnesota, students are encouraged to share their ideas. They learn that they can trust their teachers and classmates to listen to their ideas and encourage their creativity.
Take a look at this flipbook. Click on the image below to see the photos!
What do you notice? What do you wonder? How does this artwork inspire you to think about nature and art?
