Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Inspired by Henri Matisse

This week's Open Ended Art theme is the artist Henri Matisse.  After reviewing his art, I chose to do something like Le Gerbe.  I bought a leaf punch and we set to work.


The punch required a bit of arm muscle, so I held the paper while Turbo used two hands on the punch. When he first started, he couldn't get the punch without a little help from me. Then he figured out the leverage and pressure and was able to do it by himself with just stabilization help.  He absolutely loved punching the paper!


He's never used a glue stick before.  I'm not sure he realized it was glue - he likely thought it was a fat purple crayon!  


Then the experience went a bit south. It was completely my doing.  My sweet Turbo was experimenting with his materials (as we always do), fiddling with the punch and crumpling his leaves with happiness. Me, I sat and got frustrated ("don't do that" was heard more than once).  I tried to encourage him (ok, told him in a frustrated voice) to place his leaves...  It was everything I could do to keep my paws off his art. This is the first time I've felt this way about our projects.  Probably because it's the first time I've really had an expectation of the outcome. Plus, I really liked my idea - found a great art, bought a new tool....so I'm sure there was a bit of ego investment.


He did a terrific job, but it wasn't the art he wanted to create. I was a bit too involved and invested on this one.  Of course I'll have a lot more chances to practice and improve. Good learning experience for the Mommy today.


Go visit Mommies Wise Little Bookworms to see some other Matisse inspired art!  Then join in!

8 comments:

Michelle said...

What a great idea with the leaf punch! I totally know what you mean about being to invested and then to involved in a project. I was totally able to relate to this post :0)

Pigs Do Fly said...

It's tough sometimes not to meddle! That will be the hardest part of the specific artist weeks I think - they lead we grownups to expect certain outcomes

I love the idea of using the punch. That would make ituch easier for the younger kids without much scissors skills to participate too!

The girl who painted trees said...

I love the end result. I often get frustrated with Bear and have to almost sit on my hands and tape my mouth shut to keep from meddling when we do certain art projects! Especially the glueing ones - she goes so slowly!

http://theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com

Zonnah said...

I have been there as well. It is hard sometimes not to step in. Also, I love the leaf punch.

Natalie PlanetSmarty said...

Boy, I can just so totally relate to your feelings. I find it especially hard - since at work I constantly tell people what to do and expect them to listen :) Hmm... I have to learn that it doesn't always happen at home. By the way, Turbo did great, and now I have another item on the things to buy :)

Gidget Girl Reading said...

great job and good idea to use a punch!

Counting Coconuts said...

I've sooo been there with the over-involvement (especially with art, my fav!). It's so refreshing to hear another mom admit to doing it! :)
GREAT project, btw. I love love love Matisse.

Mari-Ann said...

I've sooo been there with the over-involvement (especially with art, my fav!). It's so refreshing to hear another mom admit to doing it! :)
GREAT project, btw. I love love love Matisse.