Fourth Grade Unit 2 Talavera Tile

Unit 2
4th Grade
VAPA Lesson
Talavera Tiles
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MuseoConstituciones21.JPG
Essential Question:
How did Mexican independence affect lives in Alta California?
VAPA Standards:
Develop Visual Arts Vocabulary
1.2 Describe how negative shapes/forms and positive shapes/forms are used in a chosen work
of art.
1.3 Identify pairs of complementary colors (yellow/violet; red/green; orange/blue) and discuss
how artists use them to communicate an idea or mood.
Analyze Art Elements and Principles of Design
1.5 Describe and analyze the elements of art (color, shape/form, line, texture, space, value),
emphasizing form, as they are used in works of art and found in the environment.
Skills, Processes, Materials, and Tools
2.3 Use additive and subtractive processes in making simple sculptural forms
Communication and Expression Through Original Works of Art
2.7 Use the interaction between positive and negative space expressively in a work of art.
2.8 Use complementary colors in an original composition to show contrast and emphasis.
Role and Development of the Visual Arts
3.1 Describe how art plays a role in reflecting life (e.g. architecture)
Diversity of the Visual Arts
3.2 Identify and discuss the content of works of art in the past and present, focusing on the
different cultures that have contributed to California’s history and art heritage.
3.3 Research and describe the influence of religious groups on art and architecture, focusing
primarily on buildings in California both past and present.
Lesson Objective:
By using complementary colors, symmetry, and additive/subtractive processes, students will craft a clay talavera tile.
Building Background
http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/
Originally plastered white, this Catholic Mission was covered with red, blue, yellow, and black painted tile
designs. Various artists contributed to the symmetrical designs and styles of each tile. Moorish, Gothic, Romanesque,
and Renaissance influences are evident in the plethora of designs.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153896512240482640/
Talavera tiles were incorporated into the structural design features of buildings, even staircases.
Materials:
Air dry clay
acrylic or tempera paint/brushes
Water bowl (1/4 cup)
craft stick (flatten one edge by scraping on concrete/walkway)
Optional: Miscellaneous objects to add texture
Annealed wire
Procedure:
1. Research Talavera Tiles on the Internet. Note colors, and symmetry of designs.
2.
After looking at the talavera tiles, create an original design sketch (4” by 4”). Cut a piece of paper into 8” by
8”, fold it twice, and encourage students to create multiple design sketches.
These reflect the same design sketch, but with raised relief options.
3. Using approximately one pound of clay, students create a square tile 4” by 4”.
Put your initials on the back!
Cut it square with a ruler and craft stick.
Use a pen or pvc pipe to gently roll the surface smooth. Do not flatten; retain thickness (1/4” inch).
Poke a hole in a corner (or two) for annealed wire in order to hang/display.
Let it dry overnight.
Option: For positive relief (raised), cut another smaller shape from another slab of clay.
For negative relief (removed), carve or cut out a portion of a shape.
Add texture with “found objects” from the classroom.
The bottom of a tennis shoe is a great location!
Circles or squiggles? That IS the question…
To attach layers, make “slip”. Slip is a 50/50 mixture of clay and water, blended into a paste consistency.
In order to add layers, roughen up both sides of the object to be attached.
Use the “slip” to attach the objects.
4.
After the tile has completely dried, paint the design. Use 5 colors in the scheme, and ensure that they
complement each other.
On the color wheel, complementary colors are directly opposite one another. The tiles below use two hues
of blue in complement with orange, and green and white.
5.
Insert annealing wire through the hole(s), and hang. Be careful twisting the wire when
it’s brittle.
Other student samples:
using air dry clay;
Optional: Cover with brush on crafter’s varnish or spray.
Closure/Discussion:
What mood do the complementary colors evoke in your talavera tile?
How did you develop symmetrical harmony in your design? Did you use positive or negative 3-D
designs?
Where is the emphasis of the tile? To what center, or shape is the eye drawn?
Does the pattern on the tile remind you of anything, such as a kaleidoscope?
Where in the local, regional, or state community have you seen these types of tiles?
Assessment:
Score 4: Symmetrical tiles with texture, 5 colors that evidence complements from the color wheel. May have
positive or negative additive/subtractive designs.
Score 3: Symmetrical design with complementary colors.
Score 2: Missing complementary colors
Score 1: No symmetrical design