Plaster people … a la George Segal - art project

Arts & Activities, May, 2003 by Michele Boulay

Several resources were used in researching this project. "The Past Exhibitions of George Segal" (www.mbam.qc.ca/expopassees/asegal.html) was a good Web site, with historical information, and photos of his work. This site will also have other links that can be used for further research. We also referred to the book, The History of Modern Art, Fourth Edition, by H. Harvard Armason, et al (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1997), which has a segment on George Segal, and Pop artists of the 1960s.

My students were assessed on their research skills and preparation, by planning with photos and sketches. Their expressive skills were assessed initially by their original idea format. They were required to envision their ideal solution by writing their ideas on paper, and keeping them for final assessment at the end of the project. They were asked to refer to the "Ideal Solution" page after project completion, and compare their actual experiences with their anticipated experiences. Daily student/teacher critiques were ongoing. Students were required to learn to self-edit their projects and to question how improvements in aesthetic and structural quality might be implemented.

This project requires approximately a half-semester to reach completion. I felt that it justified that amount of time, because it addresses several of the National Standards for Visual Arts Education. It addressed the understanding of media, techniques and processes. My students increased their knowledge of structures and functions, throughout the construction of this assignment. They were required to choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, even though this was a self-portrait. They had to examine a range of symbols and ideas. The lesson presented the historical aspect of working in the plaster medium. During the assessment process, my students were able to reflect upon and determine the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will ...

* gain an understanding of media, techniques and processes.

* increase their knowledge of structures and functions throughout the construction of this assignment.

* choose and evaluate a range of subject matter and examine a range of symbols and ideas.

* research the historical aspect of working in the plaster medium.

* reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

PREPARATION

* Students should pre-cut strips of plaster craft to sizes ranging from 1" x 2" to 2" x 3". Larger pieces may be cut as needed or as determined by the student. Care must be taken to keep the pre-cut pieces perfectly dry until it is time to apply them.

* The student who will be "cast" should dress in "casting" clothes (leotards or tank tops). They will need to wrap their hair with plastic food wrap or a shower cap. All exposed skin needs to be covered with petroleum jelly, to prevent the plaster from adhering to the skin.

* The student should lie down in their chosen pose on a tabletop that has been covered with plastic sheeting. They will work with a partner during the casting procedure. The partner should cover the subject's eyes with 2" x 2" pieces of plastic wrap. When the face casting actually begins, the student may want straws placed into their nostrils, but this step is optional.