The Battle of Hearts and Minds

Do you follow your heart?  Do you use your head?  

Which do you tend to do the most?

In this week's project, we will explore the age-old debate between our hearts and minds.  Let's start by reading some quotes.  Do these men seem to follow their hearts, minds or both? 

"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing."

~Marc Chagall

"Don't allow your emotions to overpower your intelligence."

~Morgan Freeman

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

~Nelson Mandela

Most of us probably have different opinions on this topic, and we probably fall somewhere on a spectrum between relying on our hearts and minds when making choices.  

Just for fun, try this quiz:  

QUIZ 

What does it tell you?  How do you feel about your results? Do you agree with them or disagree?  Think about your stance on this debate.  Obviously an online quiz can't sum you up, but what do YOU think?  Are you "team brain", "team heart" or a combination of both?

Your challenge this week is to create artwork that shows us this part of your identity.  

You can do a drawing, a painting or a sculpture.  

Begin by looking at these works of art.  How do they connect with our theme?  How is the brain or the heart used in each picture, and what is the artist telling us?

Diego y Frida by Frida Kahlo

The Creation of Adam, by Michelangelo

MC Escher Print, Unknown

Three Sphi

nxes of Bikini, Salvador Dali

Caged Brain by Tyree Guyton

King Brand by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Ancient Egyptian Artwork

Brain Power and a Concert Poster for Thievery Corporation, both by Emek

Just like last week's project, you can choose your challenge level!  Your choice will not affect your grade, but you must show your best art skills. 

• Erase stray pencil lines, and keep your paper clean and smooth.
• Meet the coloring goals:  Blend colors.  Color evenly.  Use value.
• Consider your space, and use your entire page.
• Add creative details.

Level 1:  Follow the video with Ms. Ammons.  Pay homage to your heart or brain by creating an anatomical sketch.  If you need steps, follow these:  

                                      BRAIN                          HEART   

You will trace the image 4 or 6 times and each line drawing will be transformed in some way to show elements of your personality. 

This sample shows lungs.  You would do your version with the heart or the brain.
Follow along here!

Level 2 would involve you doing research to get ideas and combining images you find as resource material.  This does not mean just copy a picture.  Combine pictures or change them in ways that make them unique.  

Level 3 is to do your own thing!  If you feel confident, use this theme but choose your own direction with imagery and art tools.  Try to find a quote that connects with your work and include it in your artist's statement!

Here are some interesting articles to help with ideas:

https://www.gaia.com/article/mysteries-of-the-human-heart

https://ideas.ted.com/how-did-the-human-heart-become-associated-with-love-and-how-did-it-turn-into-the-shape-we-know-today/

To turn in work, copy this code:  WCCP-WSTF

Click here and paste the code to find your portfolio! Don't forget your artist's statement!