Year 7 – Native American Art of the Northwest Coast

Several Year 7 Art classes studied the arts and crafts produced by the Native Americans of the

northwest coast during terms 3 and 4. The unit began with the examination of the bold and highly

stylised use of shape and pattern unique to this region. Quick sketches led to more sustained studies

of the two dimensional depictions of animals using pencil and felt tips.

Homework research tasks enabled students to select areas of Native American art and culture that

interested them most and produce in-depth personal responses. Students produced impressive

research booklets and posters as well as hand-made dream catchers, enormous totem poles and

jewellery. One student even designed and made a Native American outfit!

Authentic motifs were combined with the students own designs to create a feather shaped

cardboard printing plate which was used to produce a range of interesting images. The application of

acrylic and spray paints to the surface of the printing plate itself, enhanced the three dimensional

qualities of the surface and turned the plate into an artwork in its own right.

Mrs I Loxterkamp Teacher of Art