Joan Miro Extension Activities

Joan Miro's life and art really do seem to be in contrast to one another, don't they?

Online activities:

• Play pinball online as you navigate through Miro’s paintings
• View an animated Miro painting
• Watch a short video showing many of Miro's works

Books:

• Read more about the fascinating life of Joan Miro in Miro, Famous Artist by Antony Mason
• Color your own Miro in this book by Annette Roeder 

Create:

• Play a game with dice to create your own Miro inspired artwork.

Consider:

As we discussed in class, Miro’s Catholic faith was important to him, and drove him to be very concerned about the common people around him.  In his words he saw the role of the artist  “to be someone, who amidst the silence of others, uses his voice to say something and who has the obligation that this thing not be useless but something that is of service to mankind.”  

One of his favorite symbols to use in his work was the ladder.  It represented not a means of escape, but a means of reaching something greater.   Consider this in light of Isaiah 58:10 which says 

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

So what does that mean?  In short, God promises to reward  those who offer help and compassion to the poor and needy around about them.  

To be clear, Christianity isn't all about behaving perfectly (anyone who says that is possible is a hypocrite).  We all sin, and that grieves our savior, but he has offered us forgiveness.  Our only obligation is to believe.  Out of that belief we then show mercy and love to others as an act of love for God.  We need to humbly serve those around us.  No pious belief can justify treating others poorly.  Instead, our faith should push us toward sincere good works motivated by right motives.   Out of that mercy and kindness God will provide us with comfort. 

Grant Wood Extension Activities

Isn't it interesting how Grant Wood combined fanciful and realistic elements in the same painting?  I just love his sense of whimsy.

Ready to learn more?  Here are some more activities to try:

Create

Texture is one of the most important art elements in Grant Wood's work.  It is what gives his artwork depth and what makes it look real (or distinctly not-real).  Remember those texture rubbings we did on our Grant Wood landscapes?  Here's a way to learn how to create the same texture using your pencils.

• Use your pencil to create a texture rubbing using the bottom of your shoes, a drinking glasses, or leaves.  
• Then, using the same pencil, try to duplicate the look of that rubbing.  Pay close attention to how dark or light the marks are.  (hint: use the side of your pencil rather than the point)  
• For more detailed instructions on how to create this project take a look at TeachKidsArt

Look

Grant Wood is most famous for American Gothic, but he has done much more.

• Museum Syndicate has a great digital collection of his work.  Take some time and flip through.  Which one is your favorite?

Watch

• Kahn Academy (one of my all-time favorite free resources) has a wonderful video discussing  Wood's American Gothic.   It might be a bit much for younger students, but it is truly fascinating.

• The video Dropping in on Grant Wood {affiliate link} is an adorable cartoon that does a great job of telling the story of Grant Wood's life.  Check to see if it is available in your local library.  There is also a companion book that is quite good.

Go

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is offering FREE ADMISSION on October 14th.  This would be a great opportunity to take a look at some of Grant Wood's pieces in person.  They also have a fantastic exhibition opening soon on American abstract expressionism that I think the kids would enjoy (in addition to the always popular mummies).

Consider

Grant Wood was raised in a Quaker home.

• Learn more about what the Quaker's believe at HistoryforKids.  Does this sound similar to what you believe?  What is different?  

• In official Quakerism, few believe in the need for salvation.  This is because most Quakers don't accept the reality of sin.  Instead they focus on improving themselves through good works and acting peacefully.  Is it possible to please God by simply doing good things?