Anthropomorphic Objects

  Imagine your favorite object, then imagine that you are asleep in your bed and that object comes to life! Today, we will make a pastel drawing of our favorite object as anthropomorphic, meaning we will give it human like characteristics. 

Project Explanation:

For the fourth lesson, students will be introduced to the idea of anthropomorphization. After observing how contemporary artists (Annie Montgomerie, Nemo Gould) are using this concept in their work, students will create their own anthropomorphic object in the form of a clay sculpture. Students will begin their ideation by imagining what one of their favorite objects would do if it came to life. What would it look like? How would it move? What would it do? While working with clay, students will be introduced to several building techniques, including slab and coil building. After completing their sculptures, students will be introduced to artist statements and write a basic version for their piece. The lesson will conclude with a “gallery walk” so that students can observe the work of their peers.

Enduring Understanding

  • Artists make connections between their art and the world around them by observation.
  • Artists use intent and purpose to create art

Skills

  • Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the word anthropomorphic through illustrating an object.
  • Students will be able to create a drawing with pastels that helps plan features for a clay sculpture. 

Learning Targets

I can create an anthropomorphic drawing of my favorite object. 

Art Focus

Place

Literary Focus

Vocabulary: Anthropomorphic, Slab-building, pinch-building, coil-building
​
Literacy:  Ideation/brainstorming around characteristics of favorite object and creating an artist’s statement

What does Anthropomorphic mean?

Beginning of Class

End of Class
"Changing something?"
"Drawing in 3D?"
"To make something come alive!"
"To make something have human features."




​This student transformed a Superbowl trophy to come alive! He used separate pages in his sketchbook to plan out the transformation. 



​Here a student is sharing how she's using pastels to help her plan for the texture that she wants to use in her clay project. 

How'd you make your object anthropomorphic?

Student Examples included: " I added..."
  • Feet
  • eyes
  • mouth​
  • arms
  • eyelashes
  • little shoes for feet
  • hair