Creating Puzzle Designs

Submitted by: Vivian Moreira Komando, Ed. S, NBCT
UNIT: Social Commentary - Senior Portfolio
Lesson: Puzzling Viewpoints - using Jig Saw Puzzle motif.
Grade Level: High School

Puzzling Viewpoints

Life can be viewed as a puzzle, which we live to solve. There are problems that need solutions. When pieces are missing, one needs vision to complete the big picture. Your new art project is to be executed using the jigsaw puzzle as the vehicle to your expression. You may work in any medium to create your piece. It may be a drawing, painting, ceramic work, photography, digital, mixed media, etc. You may literally incorporate puzzle pieces or create your own puzzle pieces out of any art media. BUT, your work must use a jigsaw puzzle format to convey your idea.

So, what puzzles you? Is it a social statement (think Soraida)? Are you a peace activist? Are human rights puzzling as to the role you play? And what about the human condition? Where does change need to occur? What exactly is happening in the world that perplexes you – and what do you want to say about it?

Click images for larger views.

Research, of course, to help you! Think Activist as you research. For the people listed below – One picture of the person (if available), a quote from the person, and what they did that was significant or made a difference to a group or groups of people:

1. Aeschylus' Agamemnon- Explain the quote: "in our sleep, pain which we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

2. Martin Luther King

3. Robert Kennedy

4. Mother Teresa

5. Gandhi

6. Anne Frank

7. Che Guevara

8. Jackie Robinson

9. Billy Graham

10. Amelia Earhart

11. Sadako, Japan, peace (in your search)

12. Your hero – up to three people here.

Ideas – Answer in your art journal before getting supplies:

1. What issues do you want to address?

2. What inspires you?

3. What do you want to see changed?

4. What part do you play?

5. How do you plan to explore your ideas visually?

6. 3 Sketches / proposals for your project

7. Artists that are influencing the way you will work.

Suggested artists:

Soraida Martinez | Sergio Hernandez