This set was created to help homeschool teachers meet the National Standards for Arts Education in Visual Arts through the exploration of Joseph Cornell boxes.
Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) was a self-taught American artist who created mixed media assemblages within boxes. He collected old photographs, leaves, stuffed birds and many other objects he considered beautiful. His collection also reflected his interests in ballet, cosmic bodies, and music, among others. Using these found objects, he created dioramas that hint at romantic fantasies and unknown personal stories.
This set introduces students to Joseph Cornell and helps develop skills of observation, creation, and communication. They will look closely at some of Cornell’s artworks at the Walker Art Center or online. Then they will make their own boxes using a variety of found objects. They will relate these boxes to stories and personal tastes. Depending on the different ages and levels within the group, you can adjust the complexity of the discussion of art as well as the students’ projects.
This set was created to help homeschool teachers meet the National Standards for Arts Education in Visual Arts through the exploration of Joseph Cornell boxes.
Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) was a self-taught American artist who created mixed media assemblages within boxes. He collected old photographs, leaves, stuffed birds and many other objects he considered beautiful. His collection also reflected his interests in ballet, cosmic bodies, and music, among others. Using these found objects, he created dioramas that hint at romantic fantasies and unknown personal stories.
This set introduces students to Joseph Cornell and helps develop skills of observation, creation, and communication. They will look closely at some of Cornell’s artworks at the Walker Art Center or online. Then they will make their own boxes using a variety of found objects. They will relate these boxes to stories and personal tastes. Depending on the different ages and levels within the group, you can adjust the complexity of the discussion of art as well as the students’ projects.
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Learning Goals
1. To look at art closely. Observe.
2. To make art using different materials. Create.
3. To practice storytelling. Communicate.
Nat’l Standards for Arts Education, Visual Arts*
1. Learn the characteristics of the visual arts by using a wide range of subject matter, symbols, meaningful images, and visual expressions. Observe.
2. Reflect ideas, feelings, and emotions. Communicate & create.
3. Evaluate the merits of efforts. Observe & communicate.
*This framework is developed for K-4 students, built upon in a more in-depth way for 5-8 students, and refined in a more individualistic and sophisticated way for 9-12 students. Retrieved from ArtsEdge: The Kennedy Center's Arts Education Network.
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Joseph Cornell was one of the first artists to create mixed media assemblages, 3D sculptures made of many kinds of found objects. How many different materials can you spot here? Does this look like other sculptures you have seen before? How is it similar or different?
Artist: Joseph Cornell
Date: 1953 - 1956
Medium: Sculptures |wood, glass, wine glass, paper collage, sand, paint
Size: overall 14 x 7.75 x 3.75 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1971.1
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The artist often gave away his boxes as playful personal gifts and saw them as puzzles or games. Imagine that you are receiving this box as a present. How would you treat it? What can you tell about Cornell from this box?
Artist: Joseph Cornell
Date: circa 1965
Medium: Sculptures | wood, glass, clay, rubber, steel, paper, paint
Size: overall 7.9375 x 17.125 x 3.875 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1993.222
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Do you see a connection between this untitled box and the previous two Cornell boxes? Use the zoom feature to examine the details of the Canis Major constellation. What does this scene remind you of? Why? Think about what colors you see and what mood they create.
Artist: Joseph Cornell
Date: circa 1960
Medium: Sculptures | wood, glass, cork, metal, sand, paper, paint
Size: overall 7.625 x 12.9375 x 3.5 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1993.223
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Cornell used found objects with a personal significance to create scenes full of nostalgia, mystery, and fantasy. What kinds of objects can you see in this box? Can you guess why they were important to the artist? Why do you think the unofficial title is “pink ballet case”?
Artist: Joseph Cornell
Date: circa 1942
Medium: Sculptures | wood, glass, dried rose, leaf, shells, cloth, plastic, mica, cardboard
Size: overall 1.875 x 4.5 x 3.4375 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1993.224.1-.2
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