Elementary

Artwork by Sophia.

The Essential Question
How can we illustrate an everyday item using surreal characteristics that connect to our personal identity?

Objective
Students will reflect on their personal identity while choosing characteristics and objects of a surreal nature to use in a sandwich design.

Materials
sketchbooks, color media, pencils, reference images

Procedures

1. Show students examples of surrealist artworks. Ask them to study the surprising use of unrelated items inside the works. Discuss the surrealism art movement and the characteristics that make the movement unique.
2. Students create thumbnail sketches of a sandwich filled with unexpected elements. Students develop at least three ideas for ways to illustrate their personal identity through their chosen items. Students are challenged to consider composition, background, and detail.
3. Students take suggestions from peers before transferring their final design onto their paper. Students illustrate their design first using pencil and then with their media of choice.
4. After their drawings are complete, students share their design with their peers through a gallery walk.

Leigh Drake is an art teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.