WEEK 2 – WC/ 7th Sep
This week, you will research artist Shantell Martin and learn how she uses lines, shapes, figures and words in her artwork. You will choose and analyse two examples of her work, explaining how they show Order and Chaos. You will then explain how her work could inspire your own creative ideas. Complete your research on your project blog and submit your blog link. You will also prepare for remote learning by downloading Microsoft Teams and OneDrive.
In Lesson Tasks
Research: Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin is a British artist known for her drawings using black lines, shapes, figures and words. She often develops her ideas as she draws. Read about Shantell Martin.
Your task is to investigate her work and explain how it connects to Order and Chaos.
Create a post on your project blog called Shantell Martin – Artist Research.
Aim for 350–500 words altogether, with six artwork images. Use the three headings below.
How to build your writing
- Read one question.
- Use the website links to find information, or look closely at your chosen artwork.
- Note two or three useful facts or details.
- Use the sentence starter to write your answer in full sentences.
Write in your own words. When you give an opinion, use “because” to explain your reason.
1. About the artist
Who is Shantell Martin?
Where is she from? What is she known for?
“Shantell Martin is an artist from… She is known for…”
What types of artwork does she create?
Explore her artwork website. Find six examples of places or objects where her drawings appear. Look beyond drawings on paper.
“She creates artwork on… She has also worked with… This shows that…”
What makes her style recognisable?
Look at several artworks. Which colours, lines, shapes or characters appear more than once?
“Her style is recognisable because… Across several artworks, I noticed… ”
How does she create her artwork?
Find information about her tools and drawing process. What does she draw with? What does she draw on?
Read about her spontaneous drawing: developing ideas while drawing, without planning every detail beforehand.
“She uses… to create… She often develops her drawings by…”
What ideas or messages does she explore?
Look for words and questions in her work. What might they encourage people to think about? Her work often explores identity, which means who you are.
“One idea she explores is… She uses the words… These could encourage people to think about…”
2. Explore two artworks
Choose two different artworks. These are useful starting points:
Add a clear image two artwork to your blog. Under each image, add its title, year and website link.
Answer every question below for both artworks.
What can you see?
Look closely for colours, shapes, faces, figures, symbols and words. Describe at least three details.
“In this artwork, I can see… There are also… The detail that stands out most is…”
How are the lines and shapes arranged?
Are the lines straight, curved, thick or thin? What repeats? Are some areas crowded and others empty? Do the lines lead your eyes around the artwork?
“The lines are… The repeated… creates a pattern. My eyes follow…”
How was the artwork made?
Read its description. Find out about the materials, tools or technology used. Is it drawn on a surface, displayed on screens or presented another way?
“This artwork was created using… It is displayed… This allows the artist to…”
Where can you see order and chaos?
For order, look for repetition, consistent colours or organised patterns.
For chaos, look for unexpected changes, overlapping marks or lines moving in different directions.
“I can see order in… because… The… looks chaotic because…”
An artwork can show both. Explain what you actually notice in your chosen image.
What feeling does it create?
Does it feel calm, playful, busy, confusing or exciting? Which detail creates that feeling?
“The artwork feels… because the…”
What do you think about it?
Choose a particular detail you like or dislike. Explain what makes it interesting or effective.
“I think the… works well because… I am less interested in… because…”
Help to explain your opinion:
Instead of stopping at “It looks playful,” explain the detail: “It looks playful because the curved lines turn into unusual faces.” Only use this idea if it matches your artwork.
3. Connect it to your own project
Explain how Martin’s work could inspire your Order and Chaos artwork.
What would you borrow from her approach?
Think about flowing lines, repeated symbols, faces, words or drawing spontaneously.
“I am inspired by the way Martin… In my own artwork, I could…”
How would you make the idea personal?
Which words, shapes or symbols could represent you?
“I would include… because… I would make the idea my own by…”
How would your artwork show Order and Chaos?
Explain what you would organise, repeat or change.
“I would create order by… I would introduce chaos by…”
Before you finish: Check that your blog contains information about the artist, two images with written analysis, your own project ideas and your research links.
Art & Design @ West Thames College 