STORYTELLERS EDUCATION GUIDES
Students learn about two of the artists that are featured in the STORYTELLERS episode.
SCULPTURES AND STORYTELLING
Meet artist Christina Bothwell from the Craft In America STORYTELLERS episode. Bothwell creates figural sculptures that mix portions of opaque, unglazed clay with translucent glass. The translucent glass adds to the dreamlike quality of the sculptures. As she states in the above quote, she tells stories through her sculptures. The lesson focuses on storytelling as a basis for art making. Through investigations, students consider the stories suggested in the artist’s works and then think about developing characters for their own sculptural artworks. In studio work, students use clay to create characters that engage a viewer’s interest and suggest a story.
EXPLORE TLINGIT AND UNANGAX̂ CULTURE IN ART
Meet Tlingit and Unangax̂ multidisciplinary artist Nicholas Galanin whose works include totems, masks, jewelry, music and dance which deal with cultural perspectives and identity. Students will follow Galanin’s artistic process as he discusses his role as a storyteller, his inspiration, artistic process, cultural references and symbolism of his artworks. They will also see his use of a variety of media and hear him explain why he is so committed to making what he makes.
SCULPTURES AND STORYTELLING
“I am a storyteller and I love stories. If something really touches me I have to process it and get it out by doing a piece.”
– Christina Bothwell
In this lesson, students meet artist Christina Bothwell from the Craft In America STORYTELLERS episode. Bothwell creates figural sculptures that mix portions of opaque, unglazed clay with translucent glass. The translucent glass adds to the dreamlike quality of the sculptures. As she states in the above quote, she tells stories through her sculptures. The lesson focuses on storytelling as a basis for art making. Through investigations, students consider the stories suggested in the artist’s works and then think about developing characters for their own sculptural artworks. In studio work, students use clay to create characters that engage a viewer’s interest and suggest a story.
Estimated Time: four 45 minute class periods
Grade Level: 7–12
Craft In America Theme/Episode: STORYTELLERS
DOWNLOAD
Download the Lesson Guide & Support Materials as PDFs to get started in your classroom.
Sculptures and Storytelling | Background Reading | More Information |
Discussion Questions | Vocabulary | |
Worksheet #1 | Worksheet #2 |
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STORYTELLERS preview
EXPLORE TLINGIT AND UNANGAX̂ CULTURE IN ART
Meet Tlingit and Unangax̂ multidisciplinary artist Nicholas Galanin whose works include totems, masks, jewelry, music and dance which deal with cultural perspectives and identity. Students will follow Galanin’s artistic process as he discusses his role as a storyteller, his inspiration, artistic process, cultural references and symbolism of his artworks. They will also see his use of a variety of media and hear him explain why he is so committed to making what he makes.
Estimated Time: one 45 minute class period
Grade Level: 7–12
Craft In America Theme/Episode: STORYTELLERS
DOWNLOAD
Download the Supporting Materials as PDFs to get started in your classroom.
STORYTELLERS preview