TOTEM POLES F 2 Visual Arts Have you

TOTEM POLES F. 2 Visual Arts

Have you seen this work of art in Hong Kong? Do you know where it is ? Answer: In Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui

What is it made of ? Answer: It is made of wood. What can you see in this work of art? Answer: a monster, animals, faces, …

WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?

They are called totem poles. These works of art represent a tribe, a family or an individual. • • What are they called? Where did they come from originally? How important are they? What do they represent? Where are they placed nowadays? What kind of animals are on the totems? What do they represent? etc …

Totem poles were originally created by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.

Having a totem pole is a great honour and, in the past, families would trade everything they owned to have one.

WHAT ARE TOTEMS USED FOR?

Animals on totem poles represent the animal spirits that help people with their lives. Or it is an animal that the clan has adopted as their spiritual guides through life.

They usually put the totem poles in front of their houses or living areas.

There may be different kinds of animals on a pole.

WHAT DO THE ANIMALS OF TOTEM POLES REPRESENT?

Consultant’s comments I would reduce this and the next slide a lot as I have stated before and I would give one major characteristic only, eg Bears show that the person is strong, Deer show that the person is kind. etc. Bears are considered to represent power, and healing. Deer are the sign of caring, kindness, and gentleness. Kind and gentle Eagle are considered to be connected to the creator and have a divine spirit. Horses are thought to be the sign of stamina, and mobility.

Owls are the sign of clairvoyance, insight, and deception. Rabbit represent nervousness, humility, timidity, and fear. Wolves represent success, perseverance, and loyalty.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TOTEM POLES?

Most of the totems are in symmetrical balance.

symmetrical balance

Ø Symmetrical balance refers to balance that is achieved by arranging elements on either side of the center of a composition in an equally weighted manner. Consultant’s comment Could you restate the above as: “Something is symmetrically balanced if both sides of a drawing or an object have equal weight just like in a mirror image. ” Then you don’t need the second bit. Ø Symmetrical balance can be thought of as 50/50 balance or like a mirror image.

I must say that I find it difficult to see the vivid colours in these images. Haven’t you got vivid colours in images that zoom in such as the ones on the next slide? Vivid colours

Simplified images

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

YOUR TOTEM POLE SECTION We will create a set of class totem poles. Each of you will select an animal that you think best represents yourself. You are required to draw a stylized drawing of the animal, and then make your own piece of pole with clay.

1. Design and draw your own totem pole.

2. Draw the layout with colour and measurements.

3. Make your totem. The totem pole is made of clay. Finished, painted product