GRATITUDE/MANTRA BOX
In the world today there are a multitude of things to distract us, make us fearful, or even numb. This Gratitude/Mantra project redirects us to focus on the positive side of life and develop a place for and a practice of GRATITUDE. Our circumstances are not always what we would desire (trauma, situations out of our control, the impact of social media, and self-comparisons/identity formation...), life can leave us feeling disappointed, and relationships can sometimes make us feel undervalued. However, many studies have found that a regular practice of gratitude can not only make you feel better moment-by-moment but it can also change your life; emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing... who doesn't want that!
For this assignment we will first engage in a practice of self-reflection and ongoing record of gratitude, then brainstorm the top things we are most grateful for, make one of those ideas into a box (pierced and sawed lid). Additionally, we will create 3 or more, visual representations of our daily gratitude in the form of "artist trading cards."
For this assignment we will first engage in a practice of self-reflection and ongoing record of gratitude, then brainstorm the top things we are most grateful for, make one of those ideas into a box (pierced and sawed lid). Additionally, we will create 3 or more, visual representations of our daily gratitude in the form of "artist trading cards."
Here are some student examples from Fall 2012
Design Development:
"Artist Trading Cards" - Collage and mixed media tutorials
Collage uses scraps of book, tissue, photographs, magazines, sheet music, concert tickets, wrapping paper, packing tape transfers, text, etc. Create a base then layer on hand written text, or images, make sure not to leave open areas.
* TIP- If you don't have gel medium or mod-podge, you can use a glue stick or thinned Elmer's glue, most types of glue will work but, be sure to fully coat the glue and let it dry between layers to avoid bubbling! |
Transfers work great with Laser Toner prints, Magazine (needs longer to soak), and a variety of other paper surfaces, just try it!
* TIP- DO NOT THROW THE WATER AND PAPER PULP DOWN THE DRAIN!!! |
Examples of Artist Trading Card Projects: Mantra or Gratitude
Materials you may need:
Materials you may need:
- Packing tape
- A hard object (like a wooden spoon for pressing on the packing tape)
- A small container for water to soak the paper off transfers (DO NOT PUT THE PAPER PULP IN THE DRAIN!!!)
- Computer and Printer for fonts and texts - a Laser printer will work with a packing tape transfer, an inkjet will not, but you may get some interesting effects.
- Magazine pages (colorful backgrounds or pictures can be used with packing tape transfers)
- Collage Papers - colored paper, wrapping paper, sheet music, ticket stubs, etc.
- Paints or colored pencils
- Sharpies or ink pens
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Stamps and stamp pad
- Anything else you can think of, have fun with it and be creative!