Themes

What is Subject Based Teaching?
Unless an artwork is entirely experimental in nature, when making art, an artist always starts with a subject. The subject is the inspiration. The subject may be a literal object such as a still life. The subject may also be more abstract in nature. For example, a big idea or a concept can be considered the subject of the artwork. In either case, the subject is the starting point for the artist.

Choice-based teachers often use subject based teaching, especially when first introducing choice to a beginner level class. Presenting a subject to students helps focus the class on the topic. The students spend less time thinking about what to make and more time thinking about how to approach the subject.

One of the more common practices utilized in subject-based teaching is presenting a Theme. Themes are basically subjects that allow for a range of interpretation. The range of interpretations a theme presents depends on the theme used. Some themes provide for a wide range of interpretation while others, a less narrow spectrum of choices. Understanding this range can be beneficial to the teacher that wants to gradually introduce choice to her students. In this case the teacher would start the year with themes that offer less interpretation and move towards themes that provide for a wider interpretation as the year progresses.

Art of South B Day 1 Presentation
I Communicate