Famous Woman Artists and their Studios

Frida Khalo

Georgia O'Keeffe

Bridget Riley

Kiki Smith

Louise Bourgeois

Nancy Spero

Learning about Abstract Painter Joan Synder

Joan Synder

Joan Synder - An American abstract painter from New York. Joan Syder earned a MFA from Rutgers University and a Douglass College alumna (1962),   Syder is also the recipient of several Fellowships (Guggenheim & MacArthur “genius grant,” 2007).  

Joan Synder is an accomplished artist with a career spanning four decades. She continues to experiment with materials and techniques and her work evolves around style and form .  She incorporates memory and expresses personal emotions in her work.   

The painting I chose to highlight is Spring Element 2012, oil acrylic and paper papier-mâché on linen, 54" X 66". It is difficult to see the raised parts in the painting from this image, but you can see them in the video.
 

 


 Lessons:

Abstract Art Ideas from Abstract Art Framed

Activities:

Brushter:  Online Painting Machine for all ages

 

Liminality Exhibition

Gallery 1313, 1313 Queen Street W., Toronto, Ontario
Exhibition dates:  November 13 - 24, 2013
Opening Reception:  Thursday, November 14, 2013   6-9 pm
Artist Talk:  Saturday, November 16, 2013  2pm

I am participating in a multidisciplinary group exhibition showcasing new work with Myra-Anne Boyle, Margie Macdonald, Megan Morgan, and Bridget Rowe-Titus.  Liminality originates from the Latin līmen or threshold. Each Artist in this collective currently stands on such a threshold where our previous sense of order has been changed by broadening new opportunities, uncertainty, or sweeping change.  Our artwork seeks to shed light on these malleable moments where we are approaching the precipice of personal and collective change.

We are excited to present all our new work and talk about our forthcoming book publication.

Learn more about our exhibition at liminality.  

The Killing Machine

Sound Art

This month at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the work of artists Janet Cardiff and Georges Bures Miller is on display until August 18, 3013.  The exhibition entitled, Lost in the Memory Palace is a collection of aural and visual experiences that embraces 21st century art.  My personal favourite installation is Dark Pool (1995) because it combines nostalgic elements with mystery transporting the viewer into another space and time.


Combing Art and Science is fun.  Check out these websites for ideas: 

Explore the Science of Sound for kids  

Science projects for kids:  Producing Sounds

Sound Unit:  Science, Music, Visual Arts, ELA

Art Lessons on Art and Sound 

 

Art Ideas for Inspiration: Visualizing Sound -- powered by ehow

iPads in the Art Room!

 

Source: edudemic.com via Donna on Pinterest

Websites:
Article on iPads in Art Education
Website on iPads in the Art Room

Making Percussion Instruments from Clay

Percussion is probably the oldest of all the instrumental groups.  It has been used to accompany dancing, ceremonies and battle since prehistoric days.  Historically, several percussive instruments have been made from materials such as wooden bowls or frames, bells, blocks of wood or stone which ring when hit. Percussion actually means two bodies coming together forcibly.  The two bodies might meet gently or slide against one another to create a sound. 

In Many countries throughout the world, percussive instruments are used to create beautiful music.




Online Activities:
Musical House for Young Children
Caillou Magic Keyboard
Africa for Kids:  Thumb Piano Tunes
Freaky Frank's Music Machine
Interactive Percussion Instruments
Mood Music from BBC
Let's Make Music:  Interactive Games and Activities


Lesson Plan:
Percussive Pods @ DickBlick Art.com

Donkey Beads and Good Luck Charms

Donkey with good luck charms

Donkey Beads are made by rural residents in many Middle Eastern countries.  They are superstitious good luck stones worn around the neck of a donkey to protect the animals and to drive away evil spirits.  Donkey Beads are also known as ancient faience beads and traditional donkey beads are still being made in the holy city of Qom in Iran.

Donkey Beads by Anna Ratzesberger

Over the years they have been used as ornaments in jewelry and decoration for other purposes.  Today they are still considered to bring "good luck" to the owner.

Donkey Beads as jewelry

Donkey beads are made from quartz that is crushed, molded and glazed with cobalt.  The traditional colour is blue with slight variation and the entire process is done by hand.

Ancient Faience Beads

Resources:
http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/donkey-beads-and-bells/
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=33207

Online Activities:
Pin the Tale on the Donkey Game!

Books:
Donkey Beads: A Tale of a Persian Donkey by Anna Ratzesberger

Lesson Plan Activity:
Donkey Beads and Bells @ dickblick.com