Arts Explorer #7: Grocery Shopping with a Twist

Art word of the week: shape

     Shape "is an appropriate criterion for critiquing two- dimensional art that has length and width" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 140). Essentially, shape refers to the outside, or edge of an object and is "defined by a line or outline, or by contrasting colour or texture in the surrounding area" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 140). Some characteristics, as outlined by Schirrmacher & Fox (2009) of shape are:

All Posters Images

• Simple or complex
• Circular or angular
• Tall or short
• Hard or soft
• Abstract or realistic

     In discussing shape within the limits of my grocery shopping sketches it is clear to see the connection. With this being said, grocery shopping has always been a fun task for me, and whenever I can, I like to do it. Now though, most of my grocery shopping is done by my parents, however if they forget just one item I am always the first to offer to go pick it up. Going into a grocery store can be a difficult and challenging feat for some- just buying the items on your list alone can be difficult as we are always surrounded by yummy food products, fascinating magazines, and often unneeded sale items. 

     One of my favorite food items to look at, buy and create are desserts. Some examples of these yummy treats are:

• Pumpkin Pie
• Banana Bread
• Frozen Yogurt 
• Strudels
• Fudge
• Cheesecake
• Fortune Cookies
• Chocolate Soufflé
• Chocolate Eclair
• Cookies
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Gingerbread
• Fruit Cake
• Smores
• Rhubarb Crumble
• Ice Cream Cake 
• Ice Cream Sandwich
• Carrot Cake
• Brownie
• Cupcake

My Sketches:

     All of my sketches present two- dimensional shapes in which you can see definite outlines, contrast, and figures. I wouldn't say my sketches are too simple nor complex, I believe they represent the median between both. The shapes themselves can be described as being solid, but light, soft and in a sense realistic. Because these were rough sketches, the shapes are clearly asymmetrical and vague, however do mesh well together in creating the whole image. 

     In terms of implementing an activity such as this one in an Early Childhood Classroom, I am all for it. I myself had a lot of fun thinking about some yummy treats and sketching them. This activity would be great for children to discuss colours, shapes and forms. Taking a look at typical grocery items will introduce children to mathematical, cognitive, and social skills as well. Implementing an activity such as this one will also sustain and reinforce children's knowledge of concrete and/ or real- life objects while enhancing fine motor skills as children draw, sketch and colour their specific food items. It is amazing how such a simple yet fun activity can provide so many rewards for young children!

  Schirrmacher, R. , & Englebright Fox, J. . (2009). Art & creative development for young children. Belmont, California : Delmar Cengage Learning.