Line 2

Line 2 - Line in Ancient Art

Before you start take a look back at some of the lines you drew last week. Do you have some wriggly, curvy lines? What about straight, thick and thin lines? Maybe some spirals and zig-zags or dotted and dashed lines? This week we are going to look at how these lines have been used since the very earliest art appeared on cave walls over 40,000 years ago. Below are some samples of ancient cave art from around the world including Australia, Niger, Libya, United States, France and India. What do you think of the lines used? Can you describe them? Can you guess which country each came from? Why do you think this? How do you think the art was made?
If you would like to find out more about this type of ancient art there are lots of resources online including the following:

To see some of the beautiful mages from the Chauvet Cave, France watch this short clip:


These early artists used whatever they could find around them to create their art. In Europe they mainly used charcoal from burnt wood, while in Australia they used naturally occurring ochre. Can you find out what else was used to create early art? We will look at the earliest art in Ireland soon, but first get yourself some charcoal (or chalk pastels) and experiment. Draw in your sketch pad (or whatever you are using to keep your work together). Try drawing simple lines first, can you draw a thin, straight line? Try drawing slowly, then try some quick strokes, which work better? Can you do really dark lines? What about light ones? Turn the charcoal on it's side and see what kind of marks you can make. After experimenting for a while draw your favourite animal with the charcoal. It might also be fun to try drawing with a long stick in sand or mud. Can you think of any other unusual ways to draw? Remember to make notes and please send us in pictures (creativeardagh@gmail.com).

The oldest art in Ireland is found in the passage graves around the country carved into the stones. It consists of motifs such as spirals, circles, concentric arcs, lozenges and chevrons. The most famous passage grave is Newgrange but there are also decorated stones in Knowth and Loughcrew and other megalithic sites. Pictured below (clockwise from top left) are The Entrance Stone at Newgrange, a drawing of Kerbstone 15 from Knowth, Kerbstone 78 from Knowth, Kerbstone 52 from Newgrange and the Equinox stone inside Cairn T at Loughcrew. Nobody is quite sure about the meaning of these art works but people have lots of ideas. What do you think they mean?
There are some very interesting websites where you can find out lots more about these ancient Irish sites. The Voices from the Dawn site has a great interactive map with links to more information including a tour of the inside of Newgrange and details of the mythology associated with them. As some of you may already know Etain from our local legend found her way to Aengus at Newgrange while she was transformed into a butterfly.

Now for the final task this week we are going to have a bit more fun with lines. Find some string or wool, matchsticks, cocktails sticks, buttons etc and a piece of strong cardboard. It doesn't need to be too big, something you can hold in your hand easily is best. Using PVA glue (or similar) stick the objects onto the card in whatever pattern you like. Twist the wool into spirals, or glue it on in waves, make zig-zags with the sticks, or maybe they could be trees? It's up to you, be inspired by some of the art we just looked at, or make up your own design.  This will be your printing block, so make sure the bits and pieces are well stuck on.

When it's ready you can use your printing block in a number of ways. In the class we are going to press them into a rolled out clay slab to make a pattern like carved stone (you could use modelling clay or playdoh). We will also be using printing ink to cover the block and print a repeat pattern. You can also do this with paint on paper or fabric. Whatever you do have fun, and please share your results with us. You can comment in the box below or email us.

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