Felt Sculptures Inspired by Skulls

Lesson Plan

Description

Students will explore how artists have portrayed skulls throughout history and investigate human and animal skulls, documenting their observations in a visual journal. They will create a felted skull of their own using water and needle felting techniques.

Level

Advanced

Areas of Study

Nature Fibers Sculpture Form Texture Science

Collections

Discovering Felting

Lesson Objectives

Students will examine the works of several artists that utilize the skull as a subject matter.

Students will examine skulls and make annotated drawings of their observations using a variety of media.

Students will develop three thumbnail sketches of sculptures inspired by their observational sketches.

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Teaching Strategies

Discuss how skulls have been represented throughout various cultures.
Guide students in observational drawings of skulls.
Discuss the terms, symmetry, bas-relief, high relief, and sculpture in the round.
Demonstrate how to create a wet and needle felted relief sculpture.

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National Standards

Create

Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan.

VA:Cr2.1.Ia

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Time Requirements

Teacher Prep Time

30 minutes

Demonstration Time

30 minutes

Student Studio Time

6 hours

Supplies and Materials

8 oz of natural Merino or Corriedale wool roving
Needle felting tools
Substrate and foam pad or felting mat
18” X 18” window screen
Hot water container
Soap, preferably olive oil soap (dish soap will work)
Rolling tools: towel, bubble wrap, 2 towels, pool noodle
Optional rolling tools: bamboo mat, 1 ½” wood dowel rod

National Standards

Create

Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan.

VA:Cr2.1.Ia

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Steps

Explore the Skull as an Art Form

Discuss the emotions and thoughts associated with skulls. Analyze how skulls have been conceptualized in a variety of cultures for religious and creative expression. Discuss bas-relief, high relief, and sculpture in the round.

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