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Students in grade 5 worked together with local artist, Judy Willemsma, to create a large mural showing children from around the world coming together at Northwood Public School. Inspired by famous native Canadian artist, Norval Morrisseau, students recognized that symbols (such as stars or hearts) can be powerful tools for conveying thoughts, feelings and ideas in artwork. Each student designed and painted his or her own “person shape” using carefully chosen symbols, simple shapes and bright colours. Then, with “energy lines” borrowed from the artwork of Norval Morrisseau, the people from around the world were connected to each other and, indeed, to the universe. |
 Norval
Morrisseau uses his artwork to tell stories. In “The Land (Landrights)”
Norval showed a conversation between two groups of people. White people
are on the right and Indian people are on the left. On the Indian side,
Norval created a group that included animals, ancestors who are looking
backwards in history, and a young person who breaks through the heavy line
that divides the two groups. In this painting there are also lines that
represent communication, however, these lines curl up before they connect
with the white men. This painting illustrates the difficulties between the
white men and the Indians regarding land ownership. |
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THE FIRST STEPS |
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Before starting, a plan was created for the overall mural design. At this stage the concept was developed, colour schemes were selected and project logistics were fine tuned. The mural plan was like a diagram; the finished mural has much more detail and texture. |
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THE BEFORE PICTURE |
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THE AFTER PICTURES |
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THE PROCESS |
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Students planned their artwork on paper and then painted their own artwork within the mural. The background and carefully painted outlines helped to showcase each student's artwork. When finished, students can point to their own artwork and recognize how it contributes to the successes of the mural as a whole. |
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Through this mural project students created a beautiful message about world harmony at Northwood Public School. |
