Process + Process (Mark Making)

Assignment: 

Think about processes that are traditionally not considered art: baking, repairing, eating, soap making, make-up, car fixing, playing soccer, horseback riding, etc. Choose something unrelated to art that you often do, and document mark-making within that thing 

Examples:  

Take pictures of marks that come from the activity you chose - i.e. the marks you made on your driveway from your bike

Attach a pencil to something that moves during the activity you chose - i.e. Doing yoga on a piece of paper with pencils in your hands

Guiding Questions: 

How can we disrupt standard narratives? What happens at the intersection between an art process and something you like to do? Where do you see elements of drawing in your everyday life? Make a piece of work and document the process and/or final piece. 

Assignment: Artistic Exploration of Unconventional Techniques

Objective: To challenge the traditional boundaries of art by exploring unconventional techniques and processes not typically associated with the arts.

Instructions:

Introduction:

• • Research the traditional techniques of art, with a special focus on painting. Understand the essence of what makes painting an art form.

  • Investigate artists like Cayce Zavaglia and Ricey Wright who "paint" with embroidery floss. Analyze how their works blur the lines between embroidery and painting.

Study Examples:

• • Research the work of Bruce Nauman and Rachel Whiteread. Observe how their sculptures redefine architecture. For example, how Whiteread turns everyday objects into sculptures and Nauman's play on stairs.

  • Investigate how artists like Geoff Mcfetridge create art using food, such as toasting drawings, or Andi Pitcher Davis who bakes photographs.

Choose Your Process:

• • Brainstorm a list of everyday processes or tasks that aren’t typically considered art. Some examples might include:

    • Baking

    • Car repairing

    • Eating

    • Make-up application

    • Soap making

Disrupt the Narrative:

• • Choose one process from your list.

  • Think about how you can disrupt its standard narrative. How can you turn this everyday task or process into an art form?

  • As you work, consider:

    • The materials/tools traditionally used in the chosen process.

    • The final form and presentation of the artwork.

    • How the audience will interact or perceive the artwork.

Documentation:

• • Document your thought process and development stages. This can include sketches, notes, photographs, or any other means that capture the evolution of your concept.

  • Record the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, or how they influenced the final outcome.

Create Your Artwork:

• • Use the chosen process to create a piece of art. Remember, the objective is to challenge traditional boundaries, so be experimental and innovative.

  • Consider factors like aesthetics, conceptual depth, and craftsmanship.

Presentation and Reflection:

• • Present your artwork to the class or a small group.

  • Explain your process, the disruptions you introduced, and why you believe your work challenges traditional art norms.

  • Reflect on the feedback and observations you receive. What did others see or feel that you might not have considered?

Evaluation Criteria:

• Conceptual Depth: How well does the artwork challenge the traditional narratives and boundaries of art?

• Creativity and Originality: How unique is the approach and the final outcome?

• Craftsmanship: Quality and skill demonstrated in the final artwork.

• Documentation: Clarity and depth of the thought process and development stages.

• Presentation: Ability to articulate and convey the intent behind the artwork.

Submission Requirements:

• Artwork created using the chosen process.

• Documentation of the thought process and development stages.

• A written or video reflection on the entire experience.

This assignment encourages students to think outside the box and explore the boundaries of what can be considered art. Through this process, students not only gain an appreciation for unconventional artistic techniques but also develop a broader perspective on art in general.