Navajo Sand Painting
Project Description: Students will create a sand painting using Navajo sand painting traditions and designs as inspiration. Students will create their own design and use sand layering application techniques to add color.
Looking to the past traditions: Why is it important to study art of the past or previous traditions with art?
"Through these opportunities they learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. Experiences in art, craft and design enable them to learn how to reflect critically on their own and others’ work. They learn to think and act as artists, makers and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of and engagement in art, craft and design as critical consumers and audiences and an understanding of its role in the creative and cultural industries that shape and enrich their lives."
Brooks, R. (2016, August 30). The importance and value of art, craft and design. Retrieved from http://www.educationbusinessuk.net/features/importance-and-value-art-craft-and-design
Navajo Sand Painting - During traditional Navajo ceremonies, images are painted in colored sand on the floor of the hogan (Navajo home) by a skilled artisan. Once the ritual is complete, the painting is swept away. Many symbols are used by Native Americans in Sand Painting, including the image of the Sun, representing life, warmth, growth and all that is good. The "rays" of the sun are often included to signify the four directions or the powerful forces of nature.
Looking to the past traditions: Why is it important to study art of the past or previous traditions with art?
"Through these opportunities they learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. Experiences in art, craft and design enable them to learn how to reflect critically on their own and others’ work. They learn to think and act as artists, makers and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of and engagement in art, craft and design as critical consumers and audiences and an understanding of its role in the creative and cultural industries that shape and enrich their lives."
Brooks, R. (2016, August 30). The importance and value of art, craft and design. Retrieved from http://www.educationbusinessuk.net/features/importance-and-value-art-craft-and-design
Navajo Sand Painting - During traditional Navajo ceremonies, images are painted in colored sand on the floor of the hogan (Navajo home) by a skilled artisan. Once the ritual is complete, the painting is swept away. Many symbols are used by Native Americans in Sand Painting, including the image of the Sun, representing life, warmth, growth and all that is good. The "rays" of the sun are often included to signify the four directions or the powerful forces of nature.
Sand Painting Today:
Traditional Navajo Sand Painting:
Process: How to apply the sand
Goals: Learning Targets
-I can create a design that makes sense for the sand painting application techniques. Design should not be a boring or plain. At least three different colors of sand used.
-I can apply sand using similar methods to the traditional application. Sand should be layered and applied with glue. Edges cleaned up and straightened out with a brush or toothpick.
-I can apply sand with solid filled shapes. No gaps, messy globs or dripping glue. Don't waste sand! Pour extra back into containers.
-I can create a design that makes sense for the sand painting application techniques. Design should not be a boring or plain. At least three different colors of sand used.
-I can apply sand using similar methods to the traditional application. Sand should be layered and applied with glue. Edges cleaned up and straightened out with a brush or toothpick.
-I can apply sand with solid filled shapes. No gaps, messy globs or dripping glue. Don't waste sand! Pour extra back into containers.