Creativity

Extension Project for Circus Arts Workshop

Assigned: Feb. 2, 2017

Due: Feb. 9, 2017

“Damn everything but the circus! ...damn everything that is grim, dull, motionless, unrisking, inward turning, damn everything that won't get into the circle, that won't enjoy. That won't throw it's heart into the tension, surprise, fear and delight of the circus, the round world, the full existence...” -- e.e. cummings

Artists are often inspired by artists working in other art forms. For example, poets write poems about paintings; sculptors create sculptures of dancers; playwrights adapt books into theatrical pieces; musicians compose songs for and about movies or plays. Circus as an art form has been the inspiration for many artists working in a variety of genres. Two influential visual artists in particular are known for their circus-inspired art: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and Alexander Calder (1898-1976).

For this project, do a little research into the work of either or both these artists. Helpful hints: for Matisse, research his book “Jazz;” for Calder, look on Youtube for clips of his circus videos or find the book “Calder’s Circus.”

Create your own “homage” to either Matisse or Calder, making a work of circus-inspired art in the style of either artist (or both). For Matisse, your medium would be paper cut-outs (two-dimensional). For Calder, your media would be wire and found objects (three-dimensional). Make sure that the work also reflects your own experience in our class circus arts workshop.

If you choose to undertake this project, you will bring in your artwork to class on Thursday, February 9 to share with the class. Be prepared to discuss the following questions:

Why did you choose the artist(s) you chose to emulate?
How does your work of art connect to the work of the artist(s)?
How does your work of art reflect your experience in the circus workshop?
What problems did you run into as you worked on the project and how did you deal with them?

Have fun! Good luck!