Christine A. Elmore
Objectives
To use a pencil and ruler to create designs on an enlarged grid. To view examples of Islamic design on selected plates and in book illustrations.
Goal
Students will better understand how to fill in space on an enlarged grid with free-form designs of their own creation.
Materials
“The Decorative Art of Arabia” by Prisse D’Avennes, “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” by Carol Carrick, a wall map of Arabia and Persia, two types of enlarged grids, pencil, ruler and colored pencils.
Procedures
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1. To peak the students’ interest, begin with a brief introduction to the “Arabian Nights” of which “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” is a part. Discuss how the clever and very courageous Scheherazade keeps the Sultan Schahriar entertained day and night with a series of charming stories, one of which you plan to read to them now.
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2. Refer to a map of Arabia and Persia, highlighting the area making up the Arabian empire. Point out the borders of the ancient dynasty over which the Sultan Schahriar reigned.
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3. Read aloud “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” displaying the colorful illustrations many of which employ Islamic design. Point out the floral and geometric patterns found on walls, doors, and rugs.
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4. To serve as further elaboration of the possibilities of Islamic ornamentation, show plates found in “The Decorative Art of Arabia.” In addition to beautiful examples of arabesques and geometric patterns are examples of Arabic calligraphy employed in design patterns.
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5. Following these viewings and discussion, provide each student with an enlarged copy of the following diagram, a pencil and a ruler. Instruct through demonstration on a sample copy on display on the blackboard how to measure and mark off 4 inch points on all four sides of the diagram thus dividing it into 4 squares.
(figure available in print form)
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Continue using the ruler to construct another square inside the circle.
(figure available in print form)
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Finally, triangles are constructed by drawing diagonal lines across from each corner.
(figure available in print form)
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Have the students identify these basic shapes: circle, square and triangle.
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6. Provide each student with an enlarged rectangular grid consisting of nine such diagrams. Instruct them to fill each diagram with their own designs, suggesting they experiment not only with their own ideas but also refer to the Islamic designs earlier presented which remain on display for them to imitate.
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7. Students are then to use colored pencils to add color to their designs. Encourage them to experiment with dark and light shades of color and to note the effect that they create.
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8. Finished grids will later be laminated “magic carpets” on which they can accompany Aladdin on his many adventures. Many creative writing experiences can easily spring from these artworks.
