Irwin, Lindsay
Art 133
11/2/2017
Unit Paper 5
Structures and systems are used in absolutely everything around you. Each object, idea, or in this
case; a piece of artwork, was brought about by some type of system or structure. Life is one large
system. Each person has their own system for how they function in life. The big idea of
structures and systems in classroom art Cohen sides well with the 21st century art approach of
education standards. The arts position in the school curriculum symbolize to the young what
adults believe is important (Eisener, 2002, P.29). The standards were created to be a structured
system that teachers can easily follow to design lesson plans that will meet the student
objectives. Teachers have a system on how they run their classroom lessons and do so by
following the standards from the state. All artist are entrepreneurs and have unique way of
approaching each piece. Some approach art as inventors, problem solvers, lovers, or a million
other things, but all create art with a specific thought process. All great entrepreneurs are
System Thinkers (Gerber, as cited in Pink, 2006, P. 142). Many follow a similar structure to
their previous pieces and each one will end up having a similar concept or element for example,
certain artists like Thomas Kinkade use a combination of oils and acrylic paints, Andy
Goldsworthy is known for the repetitive use of nature in his work and Elisa Naranja is famous
for her creations of artwork out of everyday garbage. These are all elements of pattern that the
artist use daily and have as a part of their structure in each design. Many artist become famous
for being very proficient at assembling art from the same media and that becomes known as their
system or style.
Running Head: UNIT PAPER 5
In the classroom structure is very important: not just in the lessons, but as well as for the layout
and flow of the room. How a teacher designs his or her class says a lot about their personality
and how their brain systems work. An organized classroom is the structure I will strive for in my
classroom. I believe it will create a more inviting and open space for students to achieve well
academically. I can explain to my 4th grade classroom that all aspects of life run on a system, our
brain, computers, cars, sports teams, restaurant kitchens, etc. In the classroom, many subjects
also run on systems, for example math is very well known for having systems to solve the given
equation, U.S government functions with a system of checks and balances, as does music and art.
Artist and composers approach their pieces with a precise method or structure. Many have a
system that they follow even if it is not largely known. Examples of a system can be as simple as
what steps you take in creating your art piece or even how you organize the medias on your
paper. I would practice the concept of children finding what system works best for themselves
when it comes to studying and completing assignments in class. A studio on structure can be
used in 4th grade when the students create models of Missions from all around California. A
group discussion can be on how they went about creating a system to complete their mission
structures.
Running Head: UNIT PAPER 5
References
Eisner, E. (2002). The arts and the creation of mind. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Pink, D. (2006). A whole new mind: Why right-brainers will rule the future. New York, NY: The
Berkeley Group.