This is a fun project for re-purposing things we usually throw away! This project can be tailored to the skill-level and ambition-level of the classroom and teacher. Ideally we have an afternoon to create together (3-4 hours) and the materials are gathered ahead of time by students. Jessica can come ahead of time to speak with the class to inspire them as they collect the materials we’ll be using.
Using gathered (clean) waste materials, Jessica will work with students to make an animal (mythical or based on an animal we all know) using waste. We will work together to organize the collected items and dream up what we can create using them.
About the artist - Jessica Joy Hiemstra
I am a visual artist, poet and designer living in Gunning Cove, Shelburne County, Mi'kma'ki. My fourth book, Blood Root (poems), is forthcoming with Icehouse (Goose Lane Editions) in Fredericton in 2025 and includes my drawings. I paint murals, write picture books, make paintings for kidsbooks, and sometimes paint my nails. I also create animations with pencils, pens, and a light table. I'm inspired by Ingrid Brooker, Tracie Peisley, Claire Wilks, Graeme Patterson, Cole Swanson, brave children, and kind adults. I like collaboration - from set design to book design to illustration. I like collaboration because I get to learn from other people, and because it gives me hope.
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