Project Overview
At REAL School we like to learn through art-filled projects that produce beautiful end results that the kids can be proud of. This project is a great example how that works. In this project we mixed a modern art style (ink blowing) with ancient Japanese traditions (painting Sakura trees), and through the process the students learned about Japanese culture, art history and iconography.
Did you know?
Sakura trees, or cherry blossoms, are widely celebrated in Japanese literature, poetry, and art. The Sakura carry layered meanings. For example, because they bloom briefly, the blossoms are often seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral beauty of living. At the same time, the joyful tradition of 'hanami' (flower viewing) is an old and ongoing tradition. Read more
Project Goals
Raise cultural awareness by learning about Japanese culture [covering Learning Goals 6]
Improve self expression by learning a new art style
[covering Learning Goals 25]
Create beautiful art work that the learners can be proud of [covering Learning Goals 28]
Outcome
A gallery wall full of beautiful paintings created by the students blowing watercolour through paper straws onto different sizes of paper, and less visibly, but just as importantly, interesting discussions about the meaning of the Sakura in Japanese culture.
Skills Developed
Self-expressions through an abstract art form
Blow painting
Student Voice
“It was fun, because we used recyclable straws. I really-really liked that the straws were kind of unpredictable and you could never fully predict what would come out of them onto the paper. I was pretty pleased with my work and I really enjoyed creating them. Even though I prefer drawing, this was a very cool exercise!”
- Arti, 11
