Its like a dance, really, of our hands as we manipulate the vocabulary that we use. -Roberta Williamson
Craft in America Theme: Process
Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, students will explore the collaborative work of David and Roberta Williamson. Through examples of the Williamsons found object jewelry, three concepts are explored: collaboration, juxtaposition and personal adornment. After participating in investigations dealing with associations and meanings of objects, students will create a piece of jewelry combining a number of found objects that evoke a story or emotion.
Grade Level 8-12
Estimated Time (eight to ten 45 minute class periods)
Background Information:
The Williamsons believe that objects have the power to evoke stories and memories. It is in the bringing together, or the juxtaposition, of a number of objects that a story is solidified. Working as true partners in the process, Dave brings the technical skills that complement Roberta's creative combinations of art and design. Part of their own lives goes into each of these works. They believe that the story they tell is then interpreted and re-invented by the wearer. Through classes they teach locally, students are encouraged to "find their own stories" and build a piece of jewelry that captures and envelops an emotional moment or memory dear to their own lives.
Found objects can open dialogue and evoke stories.
Juxtaposition of two or more objects can alter the original meanings of the objects.
Given the physical context, use, prior knowledge of the viewer and social climate, the meaning of an object can change.
Collaboration is the blend of two or more individuals ideas and abilities.
Personal adornment has many functions in society.
What is juxtaposition?
How can juxtaposition change the meaning of an object?
How do objects evoke stories?
What does the viewer bring to an object when interpreting its meaning?
What is collaboration?
How does collaboration impact the creative process?
What functions or purposes do personal adornment serve in society?
Students will:
Explore the concept of personal adornment.
Examine the work and collaborative process of Roberta and David Williamson.
Develop an awareness of how the meanings of objects can change.
Work in collaborative mode and with two objects to explore the concept of juxtaposition.
Use found objects to create a piece or jewelry or accessory that holds personal meaning.
Juxtaposition, jewelry findings, cold connections, found object
Language Arts
Content Standard:
1. Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes
2. Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas
Worksheets:
Juxtaposition and Collaboration: Object Swap Map and Instructions
Finding and Making Connections: Design Worksheet
Connecting the Dots: Found Object Jewelry
Materials for teaching Investigation #1:
Multiples of one small found object to accommodate class size
A variety of colors and sizes of paper and cardboard
Natural objects such as sticks, leaves, shells, etc.
Found materials such as small boxes, fabric wires, cotton balls, etc.
Glue
Scissors
Materials for teaching Investigation #2:
Small to medium sized found objects such as shoes, trinkets, toys,
Small to medium size natural objects such as eggs, fruit, feathers
Pencils
Juxtaposition and Collaboration: Object Swap Map and Instructions
Materials for teaching Investigation #3:
Craft in America DVD Process
Access to internet or hard copy images of additional found object jewelry
Materials for Studio Production:
Joanna Gollbergs Making Metal Jewelry: Projects, Techniques, Inspiration, Lark Books, 2003 or Susan Lenart Kazmers Making Connections: A Handbook of Cold Joins for Jewelers and Mixed Media Artists, Loveland, CO: Interweave Press; 2nd ed., 2008.
Craft in America online clip of the Williamsons at an antique market
Finding and Making Connections: Design Worksheet
Connecting the Dots: Found Object Jewelry
Art Room Antique Mart Suggested Supplies:
Old jewelry pieces that can be mined for parts
Large objects that are made of many small pieces that can be taken apart (chandeliers, computer keyboards, wind chimes made of shells, old board games and pieces, etc.)
Paper images (post cards, greeting cards, trading cards, magazines, etc.)
Ribbons, fabric swatches, various strings, wires
Buttons, beads, charms
Old key chains and other items with clips, rings, or fasteners
Holiday ornaments, bric-a-brac
Packaging materials
Supply list for found object jewelry making:
Jewelry findings
Polyester casting resin
Acrylic medium
Classroom safe epoxies and strong glues
Tin snips
Various pliers, needle nose, etc.
Various gauge wires
Heavy duty sewing needles
Vice, to hold materials in place while working
Steel wool, sandpaper
Download the Dave & Roberta Williamson Process Guide in .PDF Format. [Get a copy of Acrobat Reader free from Adobe HERE if you don't already have it installed on your computer]
Williamsons Education Guide
Williamsons Guide Worksheets
