Memory Assemblage

Mixed Media

What is assemblage?

• Assemblage is an artistic process. In the visual arts, it consists of making three-dimensional or two-dimensional artistic compositions by putting together found objects.

Assemblage Artists1. Jane Winn• http://www.bmoremedia.com/features/artistjanew

ynn100411.aspx• http://www.janeannwynn.com/biography/• http://www.angelfire.com/md2/janewynn/

gallery1.html

2.William Dean Reynolds• http://williamdeanreynolds.com/paintings/

3. Robert Rauschenberg

http://www.josephcornellbox.com/menu.htm

4. Joseph Cornell

DRILLSKETCH

Joseph Cornell

Habitat Group for Shooting Gallery 1943

ANSWER

What do you believe is the theme of this piece? What elements support the theme?

DRILLSKETCHJoseph Cornell

A Parrot for Juan Gris. 1954

ANSWER

How has the artist unified the composition of this piece (what art elements are used)? Compare it to the painting below – how are the 2 pieces related?

Juan Gris (born "Jose Victoriano Gonzales Perez") (Spanish, 1887-1927), Fruit Dish and Carafe, 1914, oil, papier-collé and charcoal on canvas

Goals for the Assignment: • Create a narrative by collecting found

objects to create an assemblage that represents a memory. They will use color and texture, as well as shape and form to add meaning. Objects will be transformed in order to create unity within the artwork.

Preliminary work• In your sketchbook, write out three ideas

for each theme. You will be choosing one of these themes/memories to base the assemblage project off of:– A memory– A Place/Space– A person or yourself

• Sketch 1-2 ideas for each theme. If you already know which one you want to use then make three sketches for that memory.

Make a list ..of items you will need. Look around your house, outside etc. for

objects that could be used in your project. – Material Swap! bringing in materials that they would like to trade

with other students. Bring in materials that you no longer need or that you have found and will not use.

• Start thinking of how you will be assembling the project. Please DO NOT use tape unless it adds something or is appropriate for your piece.

• Think about what surface you could use to create your found object project off of:

• - Jewelry Box - Lantern• - Cake Pan - Chair - Canvas• - Mirror - Cooler - Fan• - Clock - Picture Frame - Drawer

Start collecting..• Keys, buttons, coins, old toys• Small boxes/ metal spoon, fork,

containers, old frames• Yarn/strings• Small bags (no plastic)/fabric• Old photographs, magazines,

newspapers, wall papers, maps, labels• Feather, nails, screws, metal caps, wire,

twigs, dolls, jewelry, beads, chain, shells, thread, wood, something shiny, pattern, drawings of animals..

Constructing the Piece• Form and Shape:

You will be working with many different materials that are different weights and sizes. Take into consideration how these objects can be placed together to create unity in the piece.

Color and Texture:Sometimes putting different materials

together seem to make sense to be placed close by each other but with color it could become a distraction from the piece all together. If you are set on using objects that create that distraction, brainstorm ways to not cause such a distraction: paint, wrapping another material around it, placing it towards the back, etc. Also, texture can provoke a mood if there is a lot of one. EX: Rough edges on all objects could make the viewer think it was not a pleasant memory.

Transformation:• When choosing objects also consider how they can be

changed to hold a different function or taken on a different appearance. Having lots of objects can become clutter or the meaning could get lost. Transforming the object could create a new function or form that relates to your memory.

Helpful Tips and Tricks: • Sketch out different areas to the project. Planning ahead

could prevent mistakes. • Use paint, drawing, rubbing, etc. to manipulate the items. • Think “outside the box.” Think about how materials would

look coming out of the surface. • Don’t wait until the last minute! It takes a lot of thought

and planning to make a successful piece.

How to make things rusty -

• http://www.heartrockshome.com/heartrockshome/2007/09/the-juxtapositi.html

• Ingredients: ½ cup of vinegar + spoon full of salt + ½ cup of chlorine bleach

• http://gomakesomething.com/ht/age/rust-guide/