based on the Illuminated Tughras of Turkey
Objectives:
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To create a monogram, based of the idea of a Turkish Tughra.
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To understand the connection between writing for communication and writing as an art form.
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To provide an introductory activity; to prove a means for students to get to know each other.
Materials:
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1. art paper, 5x5 or 6x6 squares
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2. markers or colored pencils
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3. fine black felt-tipped markers
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4. pencils/scrap paper to sketch monograms
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5.oaktag templates of circles, squares, triangles.
Procedure:
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1. Demonstrate the creation of a monogram by using one’s own initials to create a design within a given shape, such as a circle, triangle or square.
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2.Students experiment on scrap paper, using their own initials or short name.
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Show students how to achieve different effects with their monogram by a. filling in the background with black.
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b. making the letters black on a white background.
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c. filling in either the background or the letters with geometric or floral designs.
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3. Complete the monograms on art paper, choosing a shape and creating the monogram within it, using black thin markers and a variety of colored markers or pencils.
Conclusion:
Students share their monogram designs with the class. They can then use these monograms for identification and to decorate their personal property, such as notebooks, or compile them in a class book, combining them with painted miniatures and other Middle Eastern art.
Notes: Use a picture of Sulyman’s Tughra and others, if possible, to show how they are highly decorated. One example of Sulyman’s Tughra is found in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is pictured in several or the resources in the bibliography, including The Story of Moslem Art by Christine Price. ( p.112)
