Purpose of the Project:

Create a complex symmetrical, repeating design piece using the Adobe Photoshop program.

Teacher Steps To Prepare

Procure visual materials-examples of symmetrical art.

Students Activities:

1. Scan in selected original photographs 

2. Using the Adobe Photoshop program cut selections from the photographs.

3. Manipulate the selections to create a symmetrical collage by altering shape, color and placement.

Assessment Methods:

Periodic quizzes on the use of Photoshop tools peer evaluation class critique 

Related Links:

http://www.mi.sanu.ac.yu/~jablans/isis0.htm  
a very theoretical, but interesting discussion of symmetrical principles 

http://www.mi.sanu.ac.yu/vismath/dunham/section5.html transformations of patterns 

http://forum.swarthmore.edu/geometry/rugs/  
very good site with suggestions for student activities

http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/wallpaper/  
math-linked symmetry study-some beautiful visuals

Standards Addressed by This Unit:

1. Students will apply their understanding of design and pattern to their own work.

 2. Students will respond and analyze their own work and that of their peers. 

3. Students will create a work of art while learning to use the Adobe Photoshop program

Students suitable for this project should possess some basic computer skills and have curiosity to explore new computer programs. The project has been successfully completed by beginning level computer students who were completely new to Adobe Photoshop that semester. One of the most important pre-requisites is creativity and the willingness to explore new visual ideas, not computer skills.

Software Materials Used:

Scanners, Internet connection, Adobe Photoshop software, color ink jet or laser printer Adobe Photoshop symmetry pattern design collage

Overall:

Students learn to use Adobe Photoshop in a Fine Art context. Beginner computer students have an opportunity to realize success with a professional software program.

Tips:

The finished piece must incorporate the following items:

1. It is to be a design or pattern. This is the exact opposite of a picture or scene.

2. Color manipulation is mandatory. The design must be on a colored background created in PhotoShop. This background can be create with borders, stripes, repeating circles, etc. to form an interesting "ground" on which to then layout scanned, manipulated images. Don't be limited to only using color in the background, the objects in the design can be also be re-colored.

3. Size variety: the design must have repeating design elements in at least three different sizes. This will add complexity and sophistication to the piece. 

Options: play with making one object three different sizes, or manipulate the scale of one or more different items. 

4.Composition layout is important. The design must have a border or repeating border, around at least 2 sides. The symmetry must be clearly evident.

Margaret Lanzetta is a professional artist whose work is represented in numerous collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in NY and the British Museum. Her textile research has been conducted in several Asian and Central American countries. She has been an artist/instructor since  1990.

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e-mail Margaret Lanzetta

Region: New York City

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 4

Subject: Arts

Grade Level: 7-12

A Project of The Council for Basic Education and Time Warner