Construct a metal wire and mesh relief sculpture. Assemble without using glue. Cut, tie, bend, and "sew" with a piece of wire used as a needle.

Create color without paint. Overlap mesh to visually change the "color" of the mesh. Attach to backing without glue. Student exercise in critical thinking.

This is a "prickly" process but worth the effort!

Grade Levels

High School

Time Required

1-5 Class Sessions (45-60 minutes)

Lesson Objectives

After completing this lesson, students would be able to:

1. Use metal mesh to create art.
2. Create color without paint.
3. Think critically concerning using alternate methods to achieve certain effects.

Procedure

1. Start design by choosing pieces of mesh for color. Trim into shapes, attach together. Be certain to bend in sharp edges. Use this for a base or framework for your sculpture. Working on top of the background will allow you to see the effects developing.
2. Weave wire into the mesh. Do not use rusty wire as it could be cause of infection.
3. Introduce a variety of other materials at this point. Continue to keep the wire and mesh dominant but work in items in opposition to the metal. Material suggestions: string, ribbon, plastic, leather, old photos, or other metal objects such as computer chips.
4. Attach to backing - NO GLUE! Use wire to sew it on. Punch holes in the backing to make this easier. Fold foil over sides, etc.