Art from Salvaged Items

Today we are studying art created from salvaged items. While we often think of art as a picture created from paint or a sculpture created from bronze, we will discover today that art can also be created from JUNK… items which no longer serve their original purpose, but have been RECYCLED into art. Many of us throw items away without first thinking of ways to reuse them. These artists however, have found ways to create art from salvaged items.

After we look at the work of these artists, we will look at piles of salvaged items. From these items, each of us will design and draw a bench. Please think of a name for your bench, and include your name, your bench’s name, and your grade on your drawing.

At the end of class, we will collect all of the drawings. Copies of the most inspirational drawings will be given to an artist who will make a bench from salvaged items. The bench will then be installed at our school. From time to time, the bench, along with copies of the most inspirational drawings, will travel to art shows and other public places. Let’s begin now by looking at Art from Salvaged Items.

Look at this funny little guy.What was used to make him?

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What did the artist use to make this fish’s tail?Can you identify any other objects?

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Can you tell what was used to form this animal?

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Here’s a bench made from wood with metal legs. This bench has a back, a seat, and legs. Some benches have arms too.

Could you use these items to make a bench? What could you use for legs? What could you use for the back of the bench? How about the seat? Some benches have arms. Could any of these objects be used to make arms?

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