Embossing Composition: Metal Tooling
Create an embossed composition in relief that clearly communicates a subject visually using principles of design and metal tooling techniques.
SCHOOL: Blue Heron Middle School
TEACHING ARTIST: Jesse Joshua Watson
GRADE: 4, 5
Lesson: Create an embossed composition in relief that clearly communicates a subject visually using principles of design and metal tooling techniques.
Student:
Target learning:Creates metal relief art using principles of design.
Criteria: Embosses metal to create balance, contrast and emphasis in composition.
Target learning:Creates an image that visually communicates a primary focus.
Criteria: Uses line, white space and pattern/texture to emphasize a subject so that it is clear and easily recognizable to the viewer.
Target Learning: Uses good craftsmanship.
Criteria: Uses a pencil to carefully emboss metal tooling foil; makes lines deep enough and works both sides of metal tooling foil to clarify design. Optional: Strategically adds color with permanent markers
Vocabulary
Aluminum
Balance
Composition
Contrast
Craftsmanship
Emboss
Emphasis
Focus
Intricate
Pattern
Subject
Texture
Tooling
White Space
Materials
Pencils (not mechanical)
Cardboard Squares (for padding)
Aluminum Tooling Foil
Scratch Paper
Color Sharpies (optional)
Resources
Student artwork from prior years
Caribbean and Mexican Metal Arts
Concepts Introduced:
Embossed Metal Tooling: Students use pencils to create grooves in the metal foil sheets. They use both sides of the metal to change the angle of the line work. Students are encouraged to cover empty space with details like pattern or texture but are also encouraged to utilize white space to help clarify their design and to allow the subject to be very clear.
Visual Communication: Students learn how to create an image with a primary focus that is clear to the viewer. The subject of the artwork is given emphasis using techniques of creating white space, balance and contrast. Details of pattern or texture are used to further feature and enhance the subject.
Lesson Steps:
Discuss elements of composition. Show examples of effective use of balance, contrast and emphasis using previous years’ student work and metal arts from different cultures.
Demonstrate metal embossing. During demonstration, emphasize craftsmanship and visual communication by showing students how hard to push the pencil in order to create lines that convey the intended shape and techniques for working both sides of the metal foil to enhance relief or texture.
Provide scratch paper for sketching and thinking through design/subject ideas before students move to designs on metal.
Guide students as they develop their embossed metal compositions: first adding lines to define subject, then developing pattern, texture and intentional use of white space to emphasize it.
Discuss what might be the right amount of color to add, if the artist wants to add color with sharpies.
Assessment Reflection Questions
Does the composition utilize contrast, balance and emphasis?
Where do white space, texture, and pattern help create a primary focus?
Is the metal effectively embossed? Is it deep enough for the lines to be clear?
Is the subject of the composition clear and easy to “read” visually?
Do the techniques enhance or detract from the main focus?
Washington State Arts Standards: Visual Arts
2.1 Creating: Organize and develop artistic ideas and works. Performance Standard (VA:Cr2.1.5)
a. Experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice.
2.2 Creating: Organize and develop artistic ideas and works. Performance Standard (VA:Cr2.2.5)
a. Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care for and use of materials, tools and equipment.
7.2 Responding: Perceive. Performance Standard (VA:Re7.2.4)
a. Analyze components in visual imagery that convey messages.
21st Century Skills: Creativity, Communication