Many artists have used nonconventional materials to express themselves through their art. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque began including bits of newspaper, rattan, and bits of wood in their collages in the early 20th century. Later, such artists as Joseph Cornell, who made interactive art pieces from discarded objects, and Robert Rauschenberg, who gathered together huge collections of discarded materials to form his assemblages, used materials not normally found in art supply stores.

Corrugated cardboard presents a certain amount of challenge and is readily available. Its strength and workability make it ideal for use in the classroom. This project will explore some of the textural qualities of the material.

Grade Levels

Grades 7 through 12.

Time Required

One or more class periods (45 - 60 minutes each).

Lesson Objectives

To develop and promote an awareness of the possibilities of nonconventional materials for the purpose of personal self expression.

Procedure

1. Sketch an image in silhouette on the surface of a piece of corrugated cardboard. Pay careful attention to the direction of the corrugations. They can be used to enhance the design.
2. Using a stencil knife, cut along the sketched line. Do not cut too deeply; just cut through the first layer of paper, not entirely through the cardboard.
3. After the lines are cut, paint the cardboard black and let it dry.
4. After the paint has dried, carefully begin peeling the top layer of paper from the corrugations.
5. Peel off the top layer of paper only in those areas that correspond to the background of the design.
6. Clean up the surface of the corrugations. Some rough edges will remain after the surface paper has been pulled away.
7. Color can be added for additional interest.

Assessment

Each finished project should conform to the basic process of the lesson. Images should be identifiable in silhouette form. Complexity of design will demonstrate ability with the medium if the design is "readable." If color is used it should complement the image. The direction of the corrugations should reinforce the design.

Extended Lesson

The images can be as simple or as complex as the age level of the students will a llow. The use of color will enhance a work, or they can be left in the original two-tone (black and brown) color scheme.