Personified Object

Exhibition: Scraps

Artist: Geneva Haley

Overview

Geneva Haley creates her graphic novels using landscape and objects as personified objects. 

This project familiarizes participants with the definition of personified objects through class discussion and examples.  Participants will then create their own illustration based on a chosen personified object. 

Objectives

• Gain understanding of the basic concept and principles behind illustrations as it differs from other forms of 2-dimensional imagery; it is generally created to accompany a piece of writing or portray written content through creative interpretation.

• Be introduced to the concept of the personified object

• Familiarize themselves with simple illustration techniques

Materials

Blank paper for brainstorming

Watercolour paper or Heavy drawing paper

Pencil

Eraser

Artist/Ink Pen

Watercolours

Brushes

Glass of water

Instructions:

Step One

Begin this project by having a group discussion about personification, familiarizing each participant with its meaning and definition.  Personification is when a thing- an idea or an animal, is given human attributes, qualities or abilities.  It is a type of metaphor and commonly used as a literary tool.

List a few examples and then have the group generate some of their own ideas.

Ie. The wind whispered, Water Shivered, Greedy weeds choked the flowers, The city never sleeps, The traffic noises argued. 

Have participants choose one example or create their own example of personification that they would like to work with.

Step Two

On a blank sheet of paper, roughly sketch out how you may interpret the idea into an illustration.

Step Three

When you are ready to start the illustration, use a pencil to start drawing on your piece of watercolour paper.  Once the details are complete, use an artist/ink pen to outline any desired detailing and begin adding colour.

Step Four

Once illustrations are complete, view and discuss as a group.  Can participants accurately interpret what the artist was intending to portray through each illustration?