The Black Square Problem:

Welcome to our introduction to creative problem solving. In this assignment we are going to start with the basic elements and principles that make an effective composition and design; but before we study them in depth, we are going to discover them through creating a work of art (it’s just more fun this way).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that creative problem solving is visual communication. It has a language that is more universal than the way we speak. In order to be a successful artist it is important to look for answers to problems that are innovative and stray away from the obvious solutions.

You will start to question problems by working from the known to the unknown; so be sure to explore any idea that you may have! Here’s what you’ll do: Use four black squares to create a final image that express the meaning of one of the six words below.

Order Increase Bold

Congested Tension Playful

You will make at least 6 preliminary sketches for each word. Select the most effective solution to two

of the problems and create a finished work of art for each. When the project is complete, you should have a total of 36 sketches and 2 final works of art. You will use pencil, black sharpie marker, rulers, Xacto knives, paper and other materials provided.

Remember, it’s usually not our first idea that is the most successful. Don’t always look for the obvious solution to the problem. You will find that for some of these words many of you may come up with outcomes that are very similar to your classmates, but here’s an important fact to keep in mind: The potential number of successful solutions are infinite! Here are some important rules to keep in mind when working with these squares:

1. The squares can vary in size 2. The squares are solid black, but when they overlap each other you may distinguish this by using

white space or lines… or they can overlap with no visible seperation 3. Think of where your squares are in relation to the page (composition) 4. The squares can touch creating a larger shape that may lose the form of a square 5. Be sure to try overlapping for some of these problems 6. Contrast in size, position, direction, and space will drastically affect the meaning of your design 7. Be aware of the relationship between positive (the black squares) and negative (the blank) space

Studio Art

Dorofy/Duckworth/Gordon/Sanders

Good luck, have fun, and think it out!

The Black Square Problem: Order Increase

Bold Congested

Tension Playful

Black Square Problem Reflection Studio Art For the 2 words you used, please describe how your design conveys the meaning. For the 6 words you did not use, please explain why you chose to omit them from your final list. Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary. 1. Order ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Increase ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Bold ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Congested ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Tension ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Playful ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What was the most difficult part about this project? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. If you could do this again, what would you change? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Black Square Problem Name: _____________________________________ Studio Art Dorofy/Duckworth/Gordon/Sanders Block: _________________________ Completion of Requirements (1pt. each) ____ 6 sketches for Order ____ 6 sketches for Increase ____ 6 sketches for Bold ____ 6 sketches for Congested ____ 6 sketches for Tension ____ 6 sketches for Playful ____ 2 final pieces created ____ Reflection completed Composition/Application of Elements & Principles Does the design and arrangement of your black squares work together as a cohesive whole? Is there emphasis on the appropriate areas? Does your eye flow effortlessly through the piece? Does your piece appear cluttered or empty?

Creative Problem Solving Did you take the scope of the assignment and bring new and interesting thoughts and visual imagery to it? Since you had words to describe using only black squares were you successful in conveying the meaning of these words using just the squares? Do all designs suit the words clearly? Are you able to justify the meaning behind your work? Application of Materials & Processes Is your Black Square Project created using the techniques taught in class? Did you use pencil, sharpie, Xacto knives, paper and rulers effectively demonstrating the techniques taught in class? Craftsmanship Are there obvious signs of care and quality in the production and creation of your piece? Does your piece meet conventional standards of craftsmanship? Comments:

Criterion below will be evaluated on this 12-point scale: 12. Exceeds Expectations 10-11. Meets All Expectations 7-9. Meets Most Expectations 1-6. Meets Few Expectations

/12

/12

/12

TOTAL:

/56

/12