Memory Box

Exhibition:  Dagumisaatiy (We Persevere)    

Artist:  Seth Cardinal Dodginghorse

Overview

The vintage view-masters in the Dagumisaatiy (We Persevere) exhibition allow the viewer to have an intimate experience with an image, free of peripheral distractions.  The viewer is independently engaged with a single image and using the picture change lever, they are in control of the length of time they spend with each image.  It is a private viewing moment as outsiders are unable to see the image in view.  Dodginghorse has chosen for us to view the photographs in this specific way as it demands an engaged moment with the memory.  He has created the physical action for the question he asks of the viewer, “Are you looking?”

In this project, participants will work with a self-portrait photograph and combine it with drawn and/or painted material to create their own intimate memory box of “home”. 

Objectives

• Develop fine motor skills and craftsmanship while building a memory box

• Explore foreground and background

• Use collage techniques to integrate photograph and drawing/painted material

• Use self-expression to create a self-portrait

Materials

Cardboard box (shoebox size or cereal box size

Scissors

Black & white printed photograph

Card-stock paper

Pencils, pencil crayons, and/or paint

Paintbrushes and water

Glue

Instructions:

This memory box will be a self-expression of home.  It will include a self-portrait photograph that you will combine with a drawn or painted background.  The background should express what “home” means to you.  It may include a representation of your physical home, meaningful objects or perhaps depict a specific memory or a time period.

Step One

Choose a photograph of yourself to print.  Print it in black and white on card-stock and carefully cut the background away.  Leave a wide paper tab at the base of your image.  You will use the tab to help stand your photograph up by folding it and using glue to attach your photograph inside your box. Make sure your photograph is the right size to fit in your box and the proper proportion to fit with your composition.  You may set your photograph aside until you are ready for step four.

Step Two

Use scissors to remove the largest side of your cardboard box so that it is now an open box.  

You may wish to paint the inside of the box white before you begin so that you are starting with a light background that will accept paint colours more easily.

Step Three

Begin painting or drawing inside your box.  Illustrate your background with all the details of your ideas/experience/memory of the word “home”.  Carefully plan the height and width of your drawings so that you can fit everything you need to inside your box. 

Step Four

Now that your background is complete you are ready to add your black and white photograph.  Move the photograph around to decide where it fits best in the final composition.  Once you are ready, glue it in place.

Variations

Younger participants may need help cutting and preparing the cardboard box.  Simplify the project by having them paint a picture of their house inside the cardboard box and placing their photograph in front.   

Use magazine cut-outs to create background material.  Collage them in combination with hand-drawn elements.