Materials and Meaning

Make a portrait of an inspiring figure. Consider the relationship between your materials and your subject.

• Select your subject and find a photograph of him or her. You might choose a family member, a historical figure, or someone else who inspires you.
• Use materials that support the story you aim to tell about your subject. 
• Think about other ways you can emphasize your ideas. These might include your color palette, adding text, or playing with scale.
• Experiment with various materials before you begin. Think about your working process and logistics. 

Don’t have access to traditional art materials? 

Don’t worry! Experiment with things you find around your home, including old magazines and newspapers, yarn, fabric, and even natural materials like leaves and flower petals. 

Before you begin, check out these examples by Lisa Yamaoka’s students at South Kamloops Secondary School in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada!