The 2D artists at James Weldon Johnson have been busy learning about the importance of public art, different styles of fonts, hand lettering, and the difference between murals, street art, graffiti, and vandalism. We researched the earliest forms of graffiti through modern day graffiti and even discussed several street artists like Banksy, Swoon, and Os Gemeos and what makes each of their styles and techniques worthy and unique.
As a way for me to better get to know each artist in this class (and most specifically, their names!), each student chose a lettering style to recreate their names on large scale paper for their very own "Graffiti TAG" project. We went over a few different mediums like colored pencils, sharpies, watercolor, and acrylics, and after their rough drafts were completed, students were given freedom of choice to select the materials they prefer best to complete their projects.
There are still several students working to complete their projects and boy, oh boy, are they impressive! Be sure to check back in to see the graffiti masterpieces these 2D artists are knocking out in the first few weeks of the school year!
Next up, we will be creating zentangle sculptures and paper pinwheels for international peace day on September 21st! The arts are in everything, y'all, and these young artists are on fire already!!!