A VERY NOBLE CAR: MAKING MODELS WITH MEANING

In this lesson, students are introduced to Cuban artist Leandro Gómez Quintero. A former teacher of history and philosophy, he uses cardboard and refuse found on local streets and beaches to create small-scale models of the vintage cars and trucks in his remote city of Baracoa. He is especially drawn to the Willys Jeeps that were first imported to Cuba during World War II. The models are painstakingly detailed and aged so they realistically represent aspects of daily life in Baracoa. Students view a video to learn how Leandro Gómez Quintero works, the materials that he uses, and the reasons behind his choice of subject matter. After viewing the video and participating in discussion, students brainstorm ideas for a scale model that represents an aspect of their own life or an interest of theirs. Students problem-solve translating scale and proportion, and they experiment with basic materials to achieve desired effects in their finished models.

Estimated Time: four to six 45-minute class periods

Grade Level: 7–12

Craft In America Theme/Episode: MINIATURES