Life Cycles:

Human and Natural Life Cycles

Life Cycles: Human and Natural Life Cycles Unit Introduction

Artists often reframe ideas and experiences in order to generate new perspective. One topic that is frequently addressed is life cycles, both human and natural life cycles. Art makes us look at these ideas in different ways. Through diverse cultural explorations artists reflect the need for energy and periods of growth and rest as beings move through the cycles of life. All living things go through cycles of life, and art makes us look at diverse cultural views of these life cycles.

Embracing One, Susan Cohen Thompson

Lesson 1 Four Seasons Every season offers a new chapter in life and all living things go through life cycles. A new life cycle develops when it is nurtured by its resources and presents itself to the world.

Lesson 2 Monumental Memories Students will explore how diverse cultures represent life cycles and make an artwork that honors one of their grandparent's most memorable stages of life.

Lesson 3 Evolving Relationship Between Humans and Nature The ancient Egyptians created the wall painting Sowing and Ploughing in the Fields for the tomb of Sennedjem in the 13th century B.C. The students goal is to depict interesting scenes and stories of their family members which reflect their appreciation of evolving relationships between humans and nature. Lesson 4 Old Life Into New Life Nurse log Focal artwork: Neukom Vivarium, by Mark Dion When a tree dies and falls in the forest it becomes a nurse log if it is left undisturbed. New plants and trees are sustained as it decomposes. The remnant of old life nurtures and sustains new life.

Lesson 5 Mayan View of Cycle of Life The concept of life cycles is deeply embedded in Mayan Culture. The Mayans had a cyclical view of time. Students will compare and contrast their views of life cycles and time with that of the Mayans. Students will create an artwork that depicts their view of life cycles and write an essay describing and explaining their artwork.

Lesson 6 Trading Places Trading Places - Nature and humans of all cultures go through life cycles. After comparing and contrasting human and nature life cycles of various cultures, students will make an artwork that shows a life cycle out of place, time, or body. This could be done humorously, as showing the unexpected often is understood in a humorous way. Students will draw a cartoon or caricature figure showing a connection between a human and a natural stage of the life cycle. In doing so they will further develop their understandings of the connectedness between humans and nature.