Need a break from screens?
Needing a break from screens and desiring a hands-on activity, I created a fun and easy artwork using materials found around the house. I picked up Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” and artist Joseph Cornell’s “boxed assemblages” for guidance. My materials: ■ iPhone box ■ Scissors ■ Glue ■ Foam brush ■ Markers ■ Magazines, postcards, photos
■ Small trinkets/toys
I cut out patterns and images from magazines, postcards and photos that loosely related to Frankenstein’s themes of science and nature. I found a photograph of a mad-looking man (my Victor Frankenstein!), 19th century science illustrations, textile patterns from an advertisement, a Vermeer postcard for its depiction of a room interior, and old photographs.
When I had enough to cover both box interiors, I loaded glue onto a foam brush and coated the reverse side of each image. I then pressed each firmly into place, leaving no empty surface. To complete each interior, I glued old gears, bulbs and artificial flowers to give each box more dimension. Now these collages are a visual treat that I can admire on my bookshelf, next to the book that inspired them!
Shayna V. McConville is the Division Manager of Cultural Arts for the City of Kettering, where she oversees Rosewood Arts Centre. f you’re a teacher/educator who would like to contribute tips for educating students at home, please e-mail about 250 words, a one-sentence bio and photo of yourself to: Rebecca Mullins at Rebecca.Mullins@coxinc.com