Truth Totems

Minnesota 9-12 Visual Art Standards
Used in this Lesson

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space; and principles such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are combined to communicate meaning in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1b. Evaluate how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Analyze how the characteristics of Western and non-Western styles, movements, and genres in art contribute to the creation of, presentation of, or response to artworks.

  • 1d. Apply understanding of the health and safety issues related to creating in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Integrate the characteristics of the tools, materials and techniques of a selected media in original artworks to support artistic purposes.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Analyze how visual artworks influence and are influenced by personal, social, cultural or historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Synthesize and express an individual view of the meaning and functions of visual art.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create a single, complex artwork or multiple artworks to express ideas.

  • 4b. Revise artworks based on artistic intent and using multiple sources of critique and feedback.

  • 4c. Justify an artistic statement, including how audience and occasion influence creative choices.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Present, exhibit, publish or demonstrate collections of artworks for different audiences and occasions.

  • 5b.Revise presentation based on artistic intent and using multiple sources of critique and feedback.

  • 5c. Justify artistic intent, including how audience and occasion influence presentation choices.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Analyze, interpret and evaluate works of visual art by applying self-selected criteria within the traditions of the art form.

  • 6b. Justify choices of self-selected criteria based on knowledge of how criteria affects criticism.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Multi-Cultural Studies
  • Aztec Art and Architecture
  • Native American spirituality
  • Catholic spirituality
    • Students are shown a variety of Native American Totem Poles. Discussion emphasizes the spirituality and symbolism of the totem poles. Aztec art and architecture is discussed as inspiration for this project as well.

    The Truth Totem project ties the two cultures together in a project that brings student beliefs to the forefront.

    The teacher demonstrates how to roll slabs and make a closed cylinder in clay:
  • Slab rolling Video

  • Cylinder making Video

    • Students are to make a thick clay cylinder then carve imagery into it that tells a story about their lives, beliefs, and spirituality. Techniques for making lids are demonstrated by the teacher. Students create lids by cutting the tops open so that the totems become "containers" perhaps, symbolic of the spirit within all of us. When finished glazes and paints will be used to emphasize the images and bring an additional depth to the project.

    A critique session is included as part of this project, giving students the chance to explain their imagery and seek input. This will be done prior to firing so that changes can still be made.



    Evaluation:

    2 points -- 5 inches tall minimum
    2 points -- Rich relief images carved into Cylinder
    3 points -- Participation in Critique session
    3 points -- Quality and workmanship

    10 points