Running Head: UNIT PAPER 5

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.
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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.
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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.