About the mosaics. After seeing the kids get excited about the previous art project, I asked my coordinator if they could do something equally creative for Cultural Week, and she gave me green light. I contacted local artist, Guadalupe, so she would come, and direct the mosaic making project.
I really enjoyed this activity (although I didn't make anything!! I'll go alone to her workshop and create something on my own). Most of the kids really got enthusiastic with the activity. Some got tired easily, but finished their project.
Guadalupe let them design whatever they wanted, with only one indication: not to draw the details too small, because the glass pieces would be difficult to cut to the right size. It's very funny the difference between a real artist, and a teacher: while she gave them total liberty, I would have given them instructions to follow, and would have wanted them to follow a pattern. I've got a lot to learn.
The technique is pretty simple. White glue (like Elmer's), fine paintbrush for applying the glue, glass tiles and pieces, her glass cutting pliers (this is an expensive tool, about $60 dollars. I swear I would buy it if I had the money!!), and the material to fill in the gaps between the glass pieces. Guadalupe charged them approximately $4.00 dollars, and took all the materials for the kids to use. The kids took about 2 1/2 hours to make the mosaic, and Guadalupe came the next day to fill in the spaces. I think it was pretty cheap for an original work of art. Most gave the finished product to their parents as a Valentine's Day gift.
Anyway, here are some photos of their progress. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera to photograph the final result.
Guadalupe cutting some glass pieces. She also makes some
beautiful melted glass
jewelry.
This last one was one of my favorites after it was all done. It looked
really different. Guadalupe
made the mixture to "fraguar" it. I don't remember
how it's said in English. I think it's grout.
I like to promote anything local (artists, coffee shops, etc.). I have nothing against Starbucks, or Wal-Mart, hey, everybody has the right to make a living. But there are so many good stuff right here in the neighborhood, that I think it would be pretty wasteful not to consume locally. What do you think about consuming, or using your local services and products?
I hope you have a great weekend!!!
I hope you have a great weekend!!!
2 comments:
Angie, those mosaics are cool, I've always been a little freaked out about the idea of cutting glass but it's such a neat technique. You certainly get exposed to a lot of different art mediums with your teaching.
I, too, like to support my local community. I love coffeehouses and we frequent a few independent ones a lot. I do still go to Starbucks occasionally because I like their Strawberries 'n Cream Frappucino but the local coffeehouses have so much more ambience, I think. I have to say that the baristas at Starbucks are always exceptionally nice, though, and I know SBucks does some "socially responsible" stuff but I prefer independents who use fair trade coffee.
And we also don't go to many chain restaurants, we support local business whenever possible.
I saw all your Puerto Vallarta pictures, very nice, and neat idea to make all those rock formations yourselves.
Happy weekend to you, too.
Las manualidades nunca se me han dado. Qué bueno que a tus alumnos les puedas inculcar esa habilidad.
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