Today we were introduced to quilt-making. We learned that in Chile, quilts are called Arpilleras (A-p-a-l-i-a-r-a-s) and the activity of quilt-making carries meaning and symbolism. A quilt is a patchwork of fabric squares that each reveal a design of some sort. The squares are then sewn together a masterpiece. The quilt can have a theme or can be of squares that present different ideas.
Quilt-making can be a social event or a political event; it brings people together and creates scenes for conversation. In our group, we discussed our personal lives, unit plans, and brainstormed ideas for our individual patches. In our situation, we did not debate or concern ourselves with controversial subject matter, however I can see this as an important topic for some communities and in certain situations.
Quilts are made with different fabrics, different materials and scraps, thread and needles, decorative crafts, and felts. In a primary and intermediate classes, needles would not be a safe tool in quit-making so the teacher would either not use them, or monitor one child at a time ( this may not be a feasible option).
Clockwise: Melissa, Brynn, Danae, Reena
We became familiar with two artists today: Jessica Stockholder and Brian Jungen. Both artists create ingenious, controversial, bizzare pieces. Brian Jungen is known for taking everyday items and creating inventive art; for example, Jungen created First Nations masks out of running shoes, and Jessica Stockholder creates scenes using household items. The premise of Jessica’s work is a reinterpretation of space; Jessica takes things apart, experiments with colour, creates social/political scenes, and uses various elements of design in her work.
Jungen and Stockholder’s pieces conjure different interpretations by different people and it is this strategy for making people think that makes their art educational and informative.
Lesson plan for Grades 2-3: Thanksgiving quilt
http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/thanks_quilt.shtml
Get to know Jessica Stockholder: www.jessicastockholder.coe.uh.edu
Get to know Brian Jungen: www.nativeonline.com/brian.htm
