Typically, collage is not what I would consider to be “my jam.” While it is a perfectly viable artform that I respect, I just prefer to create things wholly from scratch, by hand. Working with existing imagery is not of personal interest to me. That said, it is something I often use as an accommodation/differentiation in my lesson planning, as not everyone feels the same as I do and loves to draw or paint. Collage is a great alternative for students in that it allows them to participate, exercise creative muscles, and apply principles of composition and design without feeling self-conscious about their own images. It’s also useful for those who may have challenges with fine motor control, in that you can cut photographs with a large pair of scissors or tear them with your hands with little concern for precision.
My theme this semester revolves around popular culture, so of course, I was immediately drawn to “Girls World” and the various other teen-oriented magazines that were provided for use in class. Historically, I have held an expert level trivia knowledge of pop culture. If a movie is on TV, I can tell you who directed it, who wrote it, who the actors are, and what other projects all of the above have worked on. I’m aware of contemporary music I myself do not listen to, and what tv shows or other media have captured the zeitgeist. Even if it’s stuff I’m not into, I at least have a passing knowledge of it. Or at least, I thought I did. My journey into Girls World has upended that assumption, and now I’m unsure of which planet I even live on.
I do not know who these people are. I do not know what they do. I couldn’t tell you if they were actors, musicians, models, astronauts or puppeteers. I’m half convinced they are genetic experiments, designed in a laboratory as exercises in crafting ivory white teeth, piercing eyes, and perfectly coiffed hair. The only thing I’m certain of, is that I have no idea who or what is capturing the attention of contemporary teenagers.
Which is why the phrase “Keep in touch” found on a random page of a magazine resonated with me. While I had previously believed otherwise I appear to be very much out of touch. Flipping through these made me feel old, hence the accompanying skull and crossbones “death” motif.
My own insecurities aside, I stand by my original assertion that collage is a solid project idea for pretty much any person, of any age or skill level. I made this one in a short amount of time with nothing but some kid’s safety scissors, a sheet of black construction paper and a glue stick. These are cheap, easy to use materials found in practically any art classroom. In my elementary school site observations this semester I’ve learned that it’s important to always have some kind of quick and easy time filler assignments for the more adept students who finish projects quickly. I think collage could easily fill this role. As a teacher, it would be in my best interests to start accumulating collateral early, so that a robust selection is always available when needed.
My students will have to make due with old comic books and copies of Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, and the Washington Post, though. I refuse to get a subscription to Tiger Beat or Teen Vogue and put myself through the dawning horror of cultural disconnect again.
