‘Draw It With Your Eyes Closed,’ Edited by Paper Monument - NYTimes.com

via www.nytimes.com

The book, Draw it with your eyes closed: the Art of the Art Assignment, is 'a unique and wide-ranging anthology featuring essays, drawings, and assignments from over 100 contributors', this is definitely on my Christmas list.

I haven't taught art in the last year as I have been part time and teaching film but I look forward to teaching a class next year. In my wanderings around the web, I have had that thought in the back of my head. There are some great resources out there, in the last few years especially so on blogs and pinterest. However it is difficult to find a book dedicated to those processes that start the creativity in a class room. The book is apparently in-part inspired by Paul Thek the artist and teacher. His drawing starters, such as; 'redesign the human genitals so that they might be more equitable'  I mightn't use for the year 9's. You can find the book on Amazon or buy it from the company that created it Paper Monument. Here are some starters to use whilst your awaiting delivery;

“Take an 18 x 24 inch piece of paper and make a drawing using nothing but your car.”
“Design a monstrance.”
“Make a paper doll of yourself.”
“Make a sculpture / installation where everything needed to make it is included.”
“Design something to put over a child’s bed.”
“Make a tool to work on a problem that is currently unknown.”
“Redesign a rainbow.”
“Design something to sell on a street corner.”
“Defenestrate objects. Photo them in midair.”