4. Banksy
Learning Objectives:
To be able to compose an artwork inspired by a sign containing words.
To be able to take a photograph.
To be able to create a stencil using Pixlr and transfer it onto stencil paper.
Teacher's Notes:
This work of graffiti is by English graffiti artist Banksy. Banksy's work is often accomplished using the stenciling technique which will play key role in this lesson. The artist's work is displayed on the surfaces of public places and features surprising and amusing images paired with popular and memorable phrases.
This stencil artwork is interacting with a pre-exisitng 'graffiti is a crime' sign on a wall. This is a good example for children to work from, as children experience
similar signs on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, the work involves children which can give pupils a greater idea about how they might themselves
present their work and work together to create a piece.
Directions for creating a stencil involve the following:
1. Taking a photograph against a flat colour background; 2. opening it in http://apps.pixlr.com/editor/; 3. Find layers panel on the right and unlock the picture to make it transparent, ensuring that you can still see a tick in the box; 4. Use the wand tool on the background and press del; 5. Find the edit button and press select all; 6. Find the adjustment button at the top and press desaturate to make the image black and white; 7. Press contrast and brightness and increase both; 8. Press threshold and increase its level until you get a stencil like image; 9. Print the image on a large sheet; 10. Trace the image onto a stencil sheet; 11. Cut out the black areas; 12. Place the stencil on a backing material and roll ink over the stencil to print the image.
Key Questions:
Whats on the picture
1. How would you describe the colours in this stencil?
Graffiti is a Crime
Thinking within the picture
2.. Which object/figure do you think is most important and why?
Making connections outside the picture
3. If you put yourselves in the boys' shoes, how would you be feeling, what would you be thinking and what would you be doing to focus someones attention on the sign?
4. How are these children similar to or different from you?
Key Vocabulary:
*Pixlr * Stencil * Roller * Paint * Stencil Paper * Transparent * Want Tool * Desaturate * Contrast and Brightness * Threshold * Tracing Paper * Backing Material * Photograph * Camera * Sign*
The Lesson as Part of a Sequence:
This is the fourth lesson in the sequence. In this lesson children will be working in groups of 4 to create a large stencil. Each group will decide on a sign that they are familiar with or use examples that the teacher has provided, they will print the sign to scale and be photographing each other against a flat colour background while pretending to emphasise the sign.
The teacher should model to the children how to make a stencil with a step by step guide to ensure that all groups have carried out each stage.
The children will edit (as specified in the above directions) the photographs to make a stencil. The stencils will be transfered on to stencil paper which will then be cut. Children will place the stencil on to a backing material and roll ink over the stencil to print an image.
The task can be made accessible to children with EAL by translating the phrase on the sign. Also, the task can be made accessible to children with SEN/D by giving them a sponge to press down paint against the paper rather than using a roller.
To consolidate children's learning, the class can evaluate each others stencils.
Reference:
http://www.banksy.co.uk/out.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksy
