Unreal Animal Prints
Inspired by the Art of Kenojuak Ashevak
Art Lesson By Paula Liz
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Full Video
We suggest teachers watching the whole video to get an idea of what to expect, however, the video has been chunked into small sections throughout this Google Slideshow for students.
Description of Lesson
Students will use their imaginations to create a series of ‘unreal’ animal prints inspired by the art of Kenojuak Ashevak.
In this lesson, students will develop their artistic skills in drawing, cutting, and printing, as well as engage in discussions about their own creations and the creative process.
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Lesson Goals
Materials
Suggested Supplies�
Meet -Kenojuak Ashevak
“There is no word for art. We say it is to transfer something from the real to the unreal. I am an owl, and I am a happy owl. I like to make people happy and everything happy. I am the light of happiness and I am a dancing owl.” �
-Kenojuak Ashevak
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Kenojuak Ashevak while drawing in the litho-shop of Est Baffin Co-operative. May 1997. Photograph by Ansgar Walk.
Kenojuak was born in Canada in 1927. In her Inuktitut language, there was no word for "art." Instead, they would say that it was the process of turning something from real to unreal. Kenojuak didn't make pictures that looked exactly like realistic plants, animals, or people. Instead, she used her imagination to envision the unique images she represented in her artwork.
When Kenojuak drew, she expressed her feelings about the animals. Her pictures were like colorful stories of how animals made her feel. Kenojuak and her friends at the West Baffin Co-operative made art that was full of imagination. They created magical creatures, remembered their happy childhood memories, and told stories about their ancestors. They also showed the beautiful nature around them in their artwork. All these artists were turning real things into unreal and amazing art!
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Kenojuak Ashevak while drawing in the litho-shop of Est Baffin Co-operative. May 1997. Photograph by Ansgar Walk.
Kenojuak Ashevak, ‘The Sun’s Return’, 1993, Stonecut, 24.5 x 30.2 in. Dorset Fine Arts.
Kenojuak Ashevak, "The Enchanted Owl" 1960, Stonecut. 21.75 x 24.75 in.
Paula Liz shares a biography of Kenojuak Ashevak.
Learn More About
Kenojuak Ashevak
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Kenojuak Ashevak while drawing in the litho-shop of Est Baffin Co-operative. May 1997. Photograph by Ansgar Walk.
One of 25 featured artists!
Celebrate the lives and work of amazing artists from around the world!
This book is filled with inspiring biographies, beautiful illustrations, and fun art activities!
Step 1 : Draw an Animal
Step 1: �Get inspired by the plants and animals around you!
Think of an animal that lives nearby and draw it from your imagination on paper.
You can add other animals, people, and plants to make your drawing even more exciting, just like Kenojuak did.
Step 2-5
Step 2: �Place your drawing on top of a piece of polystyrene and attach it with tape to keep it in place.
Step 3: �Use a (colored) pencil to trace your drawing on the polystyrene firmly.
Step 4: �Lift your drawing and make sure the image is transferred. You will see a faint impression.
Step 5: �Use a (colored) pencil to firmly trace your drawing onto the polystyrene.
Step 6 and 7
Step 6: �Cut out your animal and other pieces of your drawing.
Step 7: �Arrange the pieces on a piece of cardboard and glue them down. This is your printing plate.
Step 8
Step 8: �Paint a background for your unreal animal. You can choose to use a specific color scheme or your imagination.
Consider using analogous, warm, or cool color schemes.
Step 9 -14
Step 9: �Apply ink onto an inking plate. Use a brayer to spread the ink onto your printing plate evenly.
Step 10: �Put the painted paper color-down on your printing plate. Use your fist or a baren to gently rub the back of the paper so the ink transfers.
Step 11: �Carefully lift the paper and place it somewhere safe to dry.
Step 12: �Make multiple prints of your unreal animal! Experiment using different painted backgrounds.
Step 13: �Select your favorite print to send to Art to Remember.
Step 14: �Share your work with others! Explain the animal you imagined, your creative process, and how you transferred something from the real to the unreal in your art.
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Additional Resources