Your Own Expressive Body
In this activity, you will be creating images that express different aspects of yourself, through physical gestures and stances.
You will need:
A pile of newspapers
Large sheets of paper – preferably three sheets per person (If there is not enough paper for each student to receive three sheets, give each student one; the learner will then make only one figure in the activity below)
Charcoal (optional)
Powder paint or ink
Water to dilute the paint or ink
Water to wash brushes
Brushes: a variety of large and small
Look through the newspapers for photographs of people that show the whole figure – of either women or men-in various positions.
Choose two or three figures that reflect a feeling you want to express. You might work with three, or finally choose only one. You will draw and paint only the figure, ignoring the rest of the image. Each figure should have its own page.
Enlarge the figure to fill your whole page. Start by drawing or painting the essential strokes. You can use charcoal, or a wash of ink or paint. Paint as if the brush is carrying your emotions.
When complete, put up the pictures for discussion. (If you have too little wall space, lay them on the ground in a sheltered space.)
Your Own Expressive Body
