Final Step: Reflection

You have created an amazing body of work here! Now that you have finished your research and discussed issues pertaining to the arts and society, it is time to reflect on the process and what you have learned. Follow the GWCTD Step 8 to complete the last part of your assignment. These comments should be in YOUR voice (not your artist's voice).

1. How do you think the time period in which a person lives affects their ability to create?

2. Name one artist from this year's project (other than your own) whose work struck you in some way. Explain why you think so.

3. Name the single most important work created by your artist (in your opinion). Explain your answer.

4. How did using biography to do research help you to understand the society and culture where artists live and work?

5. What did you learn about yourself (as a burgeoning artist) from doing this project?

6. Any other comments?

Between World Wars Era Discussion Question 3

Between World Wars Era Discussion Question 2

During the time between the World Wars, economic hardship plagued many parts of the world. In some places the 1920's was a time of economic boom while others were in dire straights.  Did you experience increased financial security in this era that allowed you to create new works of art? Was financial security necessary in order to be an artist?

Between World Wars Era Discussion Question 1

In the years following World War I and before World War II, people many nations struggled through economic hardship that brought about political change. During this time there were people who were willing to give up some freedoms for economic security. Others were fighting for greater freedom within their communities. Explain how artists in your era showed an awareness of these societal changes.

World War I Era Discussion Question 3

The early 20th Century was a time of challenging beliefs and ideas about citizenship. Inequality in society led to an increase in calls for freedom. How did you use conflict and/or cooperation to extend their creative process? What processes did you use to extend beyond the standard beliefs of life prior to this new era of thinking?

World War I Era Discussion Question 2

During the first two decades of the 20th Century, increased availability of goods and ideas from around the world gave artists accessibility to the world outside of where they lived. New technology was making communication faster and more widespread as well.  Did you experience increased financial security in this era that allowed you to create new works of art? Was financial security necessary in order to be an artist?

World War I Era Discussion Question 1

In the years preceding WWI, people were looking to actively participating in their communities. Depending on who you were, there was a push to fight against racial, gender or social class barriers. Explain how artists in your era showed an awareness of fighting against these societal barriers and how they expressed the changing society.

Era of Imperialism Discussion Question 3

The age of imperialism was a time of conquest, empire and riches for some while others experienced marginalization, powerlessness and poverty. This led to struggle and controversy among different groups. How did you use conflict and/or cooperation to expand your creative processes? What processes did you use to extend your knowledge and understanding of the global issues in this era?

Era of Imperialism Discussion Question 2

Imperialism brought an increase in new goods and ideas from around the world. Nations with large colonial holdings saw an increase of wealth that in turn created a desire for goods and services. How did increased financial security in this era help you create new works. Was financial security necessary in order to be an artist? Explain.

Era of Imperialism Discussion Question 1

The age of imperialism was a time of transition around the globe. As control of territories changed, citizens' ways of interacting in their communities also changed. Explain how artists in your era showed an awareness of these changes.

Industrial Era Discussion Question 3

The Industrial Era was a time of changing societies. How did you use conflict or cooperation to extend your creative process? What ways did that speak to the many differences that were taking place in your world?

Industrial Era Discussion Question 2

Industrialization brought great wealth to some and absolute poverty to many. How did having a background of financial stability help artists in your era to create great works of art? Was financial security necessary in order to be an artist? Explain.

Industrial Era Discussion Question 1

The Industrial Era was a time of technological change that in turn caused citizens to have to participate in new ways. People began to interact in with members of their communities in new ways as well. Explain how artists in your era showed their awareness of these changes.

Revolutionary Era Discussion Question 3

The Revolutionary Era was a time of challenging traditional beliefs. How did you as an artist use conflict and/or cooperation to extend your creative process? What ways did you attempt to go beyond the standards of living that were in place prior to the Revolutionary Era?

Revolutionary Era Discussion Question 2

Political change in the Revolutionary Era affected economic stability in many parts of the world. As artists, how did the changing tide of economic certainty affect your ability to be creative? Is it necessary to have secure economic resources to be an artist? Explain.

Revolutionary Era Discussion Question 1

Revolutionary zeal swept through Europe in your era. People risked their lives and security in an effort to fight for their rights as citizens. Explain how artists in your era participated in furthering revolutionary causes. 

Enlightenment Era Discussion Question 3

The Enlightenment Era was a time of challenging traditional beliefs. How did your artist use conflict and/or cooperation to extend their creative process? What processes did they use to extend beyond the standard beliefs of life prior to this new era of thinking?

Enlightenment Era Discussion Question 2

Many artists in the Enlightenment Era were of the noble class or came from family wealth. How did having a background of financial stability help artists in your era to create great works of art? Is it necessary to come from economic resources in order to be an artist? Explain.

Enlightenment Era Discussion Question 1

The Enlightenment was a time of new ideas about the natural rights and participation of citizens in a society. Explain how artists in your era spoke to these new ideas.

Introducing Your Artist

Now that we have our blog set up and ready to go, you will be introducing your artist to the other members of the group. You will write a few lines about your artist in the first person. The guidelines are:

1. Include a salutation (say ‘Hello’ in the voice of your person). Could be in their native language or in their own personal style.

2. Let us all know what they are known for (What kind of art do they make? What is their most famous accomplishment?).

3. List two interesting facts about them (Tell us two things that you find interesting about them).

Here is an example for my artist of choice Henri Matisse

Bonjour mon ami! My name is Henri Matisse. I am an artist of many different genres but am best known for my paintings and paper cut-outs. I was initially labeled as a ‘fauvist’ (meaning : wild beast) but during the WWII era, my art was considered ‘degenerative’ by the invading Nazis and I was not allowed to show my work. Ms. Andreadis has a copy of my painting Large Red Interior (1948) in her kitchen. She is so tres’ magnifique! (Here is Ms. Andreadis at the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, July 2007 seeing the original Matisse painting.)

Introduction is due by 11:59pm Friday, February 10, 2012.

Welcome!

Welcome to the third year of our ninth grade research project! This is an interdisciplinary biography project to explore the lives of a variety of artists and the eras and societal influences that informed their work. This research project will provide students with an opportunity to explore areas of interest while at the same time encourage students to communicate with each other in an effort to explore topics in the arts and social studies.


Our first step is for each students to choose an artist who shares their arts field and is in the era that the students are going to focus on. For more information about the project and Step One, see the links at the right of this page.