Systems & Constraints

Hello!

Today was all about process instead of product. This is when the process through making an art piece is more important than the end piece.

Terms we talked about were systems, constraints, and interpretation.

Here is the power point that I used:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kn2XFMbA3wR1itNBlMvX8Io4DdSrg_aFp4mtnGOztYo/edit?usp=sharing

A system is a set of rules that a person makes up for themselves to follow. The constraints are also set up by the artist which provide structure of what can and can not be done. Interpretation is how the person decides to represent or do because based on what they understand the rule.

We discussed these terms and different artists, including myself, who have created art pieces with systems.

* The teacher taught the students how to use a contractor before I came so that the students could create different angles.

On the board I wrote down what constraints that I was giving the class.

*Fit on paper size I gave them
*One rule has to include an angle
*One rule has to include a measurement
*No pencils or pens
*Make rules as a class
*Your interpretation: your understanding
*Roll dice 25 times

Then the class came up with some ideas of what rules they would do for their projects. The teacher and I came up with the final 6 rules based on what the children discussed.

1. Draw a Pattern
2. Draw a 90 degree angle
3. Green or Pink 5 inch line
4. Character out of shape
5. Cut a shape out of a material
6. 3 sets of 3 inch yarn

The students used a dice to roll and to choose what rule to do next on their art piece.
The students were allowed to interpret the rules in anyway that they could think of. Some students had a hard time understanding this but after asking them what they thought and told them to proceed with that, they ended up with no problems.

Explaining took some time but in the end it was totally worth it. It was great to see the children come up with new ideas of how to portray the rule and to exhibit it. Each project looked very different from everyone else's! They were all very engaged and loved what they were doing!

This tool is really great to use for any type of integration in the classroom. My teacher really liked this project because when she introduces more projects she can use this layout to create a deeper understanding, and possibilities of the concept taught.


This is how far they got after 7 or 8 times of rolling the dice.