Middle School

Artwork by L. Sullivan.

How can students explore mark making on an alternative surface?

Students will use the sole of a repurposed shoe as the surface for printmaking.

repurposed leather or faux leather shoe (cleaned), printmaking gouges, printmaking ink, print roller/tray, paper (large enough for shoe), burnishing tool/baren, charcoal, newsprint paper, white pastel pencil

1. Provide a sheet of paper covered with charcoal for students to step on, and another sheet of newsprint for students to print the pattern of the sole of their shoes. Discuss the importance of patterns.
2. Next, distribute repurposed cleaned leather or faux leather shoes. Ask students to draw a reverse line drawing on the sole of the shoe using a white pastel pencil or permanent marker.
3. Distribute gouges to students and ask them to carve the spaces for printing.
4. Students roll ink on their completed designs.
5. Next, students place printmaking paper over the inked soles and burnish before pulling prints.
   Note: This lesson can be applied to a variety of themes.

Did the student create a reversed drawing? Did the student stay engaged while gouging the sole of the shoe? Did the student’s design print clearly?

Melody Weintraub is a retired art teacher who lives on a lake and creates art in Tennessee.