Ideas, activities, lessons, and comments from teachers that relate to Aminah and her work. Thanks for sharing!
THE INFLUENCE OF OUR ANCESTORS: STORIES AND MEMORIES
When I considered planning an art lesson with my students about Aminah Robinson’s art, I thought about creating a lesson that dealt with the importance of work and the jobs our ancestors did and relating it to Aminah's A Street Called Home. When the lesson started to unfold, it became a lesson on ancestors with a different emphasis. Instead of just the occupations of our elders, it was broader. It became a lesson on what our elders and ancestors do (did), why we cherish them, special memories of times spent with them, or the stories we were told about them, and how they influence us (our lives and our art).
POEMS RELATING TO AMINAH'S WORK
Have each student select a work by Aminah from the "See" section of this website. Have them look at the object carefully, and if available, listen to Aminah talk about it. Have the students write down as many words as possible to describe it. Discuss metaphor and simile and have them create some examples about the painting or sculpture. Then have them write a poem that includes rich description and at least one simile or metaphor. Have them submit their poems to the "Share" section of the website. Be sure to have them note which work of art inspired their poem. Some will be selected for online publication.
Submitted by:
Carole Genshaft
Columbus Museum of Art
Columbus, OH
Appropriate for Grades: 4-12
GCSE COURSEWORK - BEING A YOUNG PERSON IN LIVERPOOL IN 2008, THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF TEXTILES.
Students aged 14/15 studied the work of Black American textile artist Aminah Robinson whose roots were in slavery and whose textiles were traditionally founded in the feminine craft of quilt-making. Students could see how she emulated the way women used to gather together to make a wedding quilt, or a quilt for a baby by producing large-scale pieces that struck at the heart of her community and her own life.
Students were shown images of Robinson's work and produced pages of research from school resources and the Internet. They used a wide range of media and techniques to extend their skill base.