Loh 1

Leander Loh
Art 133
Professor Ward
March 29, 2016
Unit Paper 4
The main idea in this past unit was the integration of play and having fun with the
making of art. This was an entirely different approach than what I had experienced through our
class studios. Simply due to the fact that in the past, I have always held the conception that are
was typically always serious, and always held a deeper meaning to them that invoked critical
thinking from the observer. In George Skezelys article (2011), Testing the World through Play
and Art, he states, Artists of all ages explore the world through play and artEach play
contains the seeds of great ideas for further creations, constructions, paintings, and
performances. This approach that is used in the 21st century is something that can potentially
incite the art spark that may be hidden in many students. Through my own experience in our
studios that were integrated with play, I was able to connect more with my artwork and with
other artists (stingray environment). Enjoying the process of creation, and therefore being more
enthusiastic of the process and the outcome.
When working with a younger population of students, it seems as though integrating play
along with art is even more important in comparison to an older group. I would adapt the content
learned in this unit into my own future use by allowing my students to incorporate their own
freedom and creativity into their artmaking. I would achieve this in the same manner it was
achieved in class, by allowing my future students a chance to express their individuality through
freedom in their artwork such as the clay finger puppets that we made during class.