Artists' books of peace
(Toni Bowden)
Purpose
To research and create artists' books, both collaboratively and individually, using several examples in the collection of the State Library of Queensland as models and responding to slogans and symbols associated with peace.
Description
The unit will take place in eight one-hour lessons over a term. Initially the students construct a venetian blind book collaboratively, then attempt an individual artist's book, responding to slogans, lyrics or poetry on the theme of peace. Examples in the James Hardie collection at the State Library act as models for certain elements.
Activities in this unit are based on a learner-centred approach and are organised into three phases of exploring, developing and culminating. Visual arts activities in the exploring phase follow through and are developed in the other two phases.
Procedure
It would be useful for teachers to have moderate knowledge of the range of artists' books. This is easily acquired through a web search or a visit to the James Hardie Artists' Books Collection of the State Library. In preparation, it would be useful for teachers to trial some book constructions themselves.
Unit plan [new window 67 kb 
]
Resources
Artists' books
Artists' Books Collection, James Hardie Library of Australian Fine Arts: available from the new State Library of Queensland at South Bank.
Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) sourcebook modules:
- Artists' books (Levels 4 and 5, Visual Arts Strand, Years 1 to 10 The Arts Syllabus) [new window http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/yrs1to10/kla/arts/docs/modules/va_45_ab.pdf ]
Websites:
- State Library of Queensland: Artists' books
- Artists' books online - redefining the book
- Queensland Studies Authority: Years 1 to 10 - The Arts [new window http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/yrs1to10/kla/arts/ ]
Assessment
- In the exploring phase, student/teacher consultation plus focused analysis will demonstrate outcomes VA 4.3, VA 4.1 and SRP D 4.6.
- In the developing phase, maquettes and student work samples will demonstrate VA 4.2.
- In the final phase, self and peer assessment will demonstrate all four outcomes.
Learning outcomes
Details in unit plan [new window 67 kb ]
The Arts
- Visual Arts - VA 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Studies of Society and Environment
- Systems, Resources and Power - SRP D 4.6
Last updated: 6th September 2007
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
