Print making with patterns
Time: approx. 2- 3 hours
Materials: Block print paper, Block ink in colors of choice, 4x6 Styrofoam plates ( 1 or 2 for each
student), inking trays, brayers (1 per 4 students if possible), baren or wooden spoon (1 per 4 students if
possible).
Standards: VA:Cr1.1.7a, VA:Cr1.2.7a, VA:Cr2.1.7a, VA:Cr2.1.7a, VA:Cr2.2.7a, VA:Cr2.3.7a, VA: Re. 7.1.8a,
VA:Re7.2.8a
Grade level: 7 (rigor can easily be increased or reduced for different age groups)
Objective: Students will create a line drawing on a Styrofoam plate that incorporates African patterns
and self-expression. Two possibilities are: zentangling their names or African animals. It could also follow
the theme of other subjects being studied. When the plate is prepared students will pull the print. If
time allows, images can be grouped together into a quilt, and patterns could be stamped around the
edges for a border.
This lesson incorporates line, shape, rhythm, movement, pattern making, positive and negative space,
and self-expression. It introduces ideas in relief printmaking, and encourages understanding art in other
cultures.
Introduction: Look at images of African Artwork. Analyze symbols and patterns. What defines African
Art? Where it is seen and how it is used to express cultural views and ideas? Do we see influences of
African art in our culture? Where?
Review zentangling, choose favorite patterns and modify to integrate African elements. Show examples
of African art: blankets, masks, pottery etc. Talk about how symbols are integrated into artwork to
reflect beliefs and practices.
Instruction: Present basics of relief printmaking and show examples of finished prints from Styrofoam
plates. Demonstrate how to create image on Styrofoam, rolling up the plate and pulling a print. Talk
about safety and how to clean up after the project. Also remember to tell students that words must be
written backward in order to read correctly after it is printed.
Group students (4-5) for sharing a printing area and pass out supplies. Students will develop a rough
draft to work from. Using a pen or ever sharp the image will then be drawn onto the plate, inked and
printed.
Differentiated instruction: Students who finish early or who are ready for more difficult work can create
patterns for the border of the quilt by cutting out patterns and symbols from styrofoam and gluing it
onto card board to make a stamp, or they could carve images out of pink erasers or linoleum. ESS- give
student specific pattern examples, a stencil or peer help. Seat closer to teacher.
Vocabulary: Relief print, etching, brayer, baren, etching plate, Styrofoam plate, pattern, rhythm,
movement, contrast, positive and negative space