Craig Nutt

Concept drawings of Bellevue Bench Mark

by Craig Nutt

“…flood experiences ranged from helping neighbors to the loss of family members. The participants portrayed a community that is neighborly, resolute, resilient and proud of the way they pulled together during and after the flood…’not victims, but survivors.” -Craig Nutt

Starter Questions:

How can functional objects still be art?

What other functional objects have artistic characteristics?

How does the environment impact the art?

How does the art impact the environment?

*Discussion questions can be done in a whole group setting or in small groups of 2 or 3 students.  You know your students and the dynamic of your classroom.  Both methods of discussion have value.

Writing Component:

After displaying the image, ask students to write 2 or 3 sentences describing their initial response to the art work.  Questions to lead them in their writing:  What do you think this piece of art is about?  What leads you to believe that is the meaning of the piece?  Why do you/don’t you like this work of art?

*Allowing for writing in the art room allows for all students to develop their ideas on art beyond giving a select few the opportunity to share their thoughts in class.  Having word banks/word walls for students to pull from will take some of the fear out of writing.

Studio Project(s):

(Studio projects would take place after students have the background knowledge on Craig Nutt and his work, as well as functional art.)

 Lesson 1:  Mimetic Building w/Landscape

Media:  Drawing (1st-5th)

Students will:

·         Be introduced to mimetic architecture, and see examples.

·         Discuss the purpose of mimetic architecture.

·         Brainstorm ideas for mimetic architecture, and the functions of the building.

·         Review landscapes, and look at the 3 parts to a landscape (foreground, middle ground, and background).

·         Create a mimetic building within a landscape.

·         Write a description of the function & purpose of the structure.

Lesson 2:  Innovation Creation

Media:  Collage (1st-5th)

Students will:

·         Discuss the differences between invention and innovation.

·         Review the meaning of mimetic, and make applications of the term.

·         Design a mimetic innovation to an everyday object.

·         Write an advertisement for their mimetic innovation.

Lesson 3 CHAIR"ish" Me

Media: Sculpture (2nd-5th)

Students will:

·         Look at and discuss examples of mimetic chairs.

·         Review functional art.

·         Sketch a mimetic chair designs. 

·         Create their mimetic chair out of paper mache. 

·         Write a description of their chair & why they chose the mimetic element they used.