Art Explorer # 7: Grocery Shopping with a Twist!



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 Element of Art: Shape

I must mention first hand, the JOY I had with this art explorer activity! But before I get carried away, let me explain  this week's art word...

Shape "is an appropriate criterion for critiquing two-dimensional art that has length and width" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 140). In addition to this, shape:

• refers to the outside form of an object.
• is the edge of an enclosed space.
• is defined by a line or outline, or by contrasting color or texture in the surrounding area.
• represents positive space or figure.
• is created by connecting lines (p. 140).

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Shape even possess its own unique qualities, and the list below provided by Schirrmacher & Fox (2009) demonstrates just that. Here are just a few:

• simple or complex.
• circular or angular.
• hard or soft.
• proportional or nonproportional.
• precise or vague.
• tall or short.
• big and large, or small and little
• solid, heavy massive; or open, light (p. 140)

Now unlike the smiling women to the right, I highly despise grocery shopping! I hate the whole picking out the best, ripest produce process....the cash out lines are the worst....you load the copious amount of bags into the trunk, only to unload it in a few minutes when you reach home. However, this week when I visited my local grocery store, this activity made the whole experience quite enjoyable.

I chose to focus on one category of food which is produce, and I  then narrowed it down to fruits. I love fruits, and I believe this stems from my sweet tooth, and the constant need of something fruity after every meal.To the left, was the list I created while walking joyously.... yes, joyously through every aisle in the produce section. While in the grocery store, I began to appreciate and acknowledge all the wonderful shapes that within the context of fruits.  

 

Sketches

The watermelon I drew I would say embodies the following shape characteristics:

• circular
• geometrical
• big and large
• solid, heavy
• clearly defined
• opaque
• hard

The cherries that I drew I would say embodies the following shape characteristics:

• circular
• geometrical
• small and little
• clearly defined  
• opaque
• light
• soft

The pears that I drew I would say embodies the following shape chararcteristcs:

• simple
• geometrical
• clearly defined
• light
• hard
• small

If I enjoyed this activity, I am sure that children would too. It makes grocery shopping enjoyable. In the context of the classroom, implementing this activity would get children actively exploring, and interacting with their environment. This activity is also a good way to generate discussion on shape, and the many characteristics it possess!

Reference:

Schirrmacher, R. , & Fox, J. E. (2009). Art & creative development for young children. Belmont, California: Delmar Cengage Learning.