Communication

When information is shared accurately and clearly, the end result is more effective.

20 September 2019

Our order of printmaking tools and resources arrived in time for my Grade 7s to produce linocut prints for this project. Like last year, Grade 7s learned about how Northwest Coast tribes communicate their histories and identities with totem animals and considered what animal might represent them. They then learned fundamentals of the printmaking process as they carved into the printing plate. The big idea of communication had renewed importance with regards to technique as students were challenged at all stages to thoughtfully, skillfully and safely(!) transfer their image from matrix to paper to create a small edition of multi-colour prints.

After learning a bit about the art of carving totem poles, students dived in with large-scale timed charcoal drawing exercises transcribing totem animal prints and paintings by contemporary Haida artists. They then had to research a number of different spirit animals and record which one might represent them and what characteristics are attributed to that animal amongst Northwest Coast peoples.

Students produced six prints each, most of them unique having altered the printing colours or the colour of the paper they used to print on. I must say I’m very proud of all my 7s for their hard work on this project and of course how well their prints turned out!