Egyptian Papyrus Pictures

Submitted by: Linda Woods,
St. Johns Lower School Gallery
Title: Egyptian Parody on Papyrus "Egyptian Time Warp"
Grade Level: Fifth Grade

Background:

We did these right after the class studied Egypt in History. I made up large packets of Egyptian Imagery using selections from Dover Publication's Copy-Free Egyptian Designs CD-ROM and Book to use as images to parody.

Students were instructed to use the images and styles of Egyptian Art in their drawings as they parodied and time warped Ancient Egypt and modern day. We drew on Sketchbooks, then transferred the drawings to Papyrus paper, using Chalk as the transfer agent on the darker papyrus, using light from the window to help transfer to the lighter papyrus. We colored the images with Prismacolor Colored Pencils and Gold Metallic Acrylics. Besides, who in their right mind would be confused and think you are representing the Big "M" - a company that highly protects it's Golden M?

Do not bother seeking permissions from the companies themselves - as you will NOT get it - you will not get any reply. Simply tell the store manager that you are working on a school project - injecting humor into local culture. I can assure you, the local business is not going to tell a child they can not do a work of art - as that would be suppression of the child's first amendment rights of freedom of expression.

Read up on the book Brand Name Bullies and see how major corporations with the big bucks are suppressing creative expression and winning. Let these kids win in this fun lesson - actually poking fun at their activities and learning a little bit about Trademark law in the process. Sure, companies have a right to protect their trademarks - but artists also have the right to express themselves without fear of litigation. This parody, which has already been approved (unchallenged by the big M) is by Jeffrey Scott Holland. (Archive) Image is copyrighted by Jeffrey Scott Holland and used here with his permission. Teachers may also use the image via PowerPoint. Title is Anubus Visits M_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (you know the rest). (NOTE from Ken: It was an expensive and lengthy process to get the Incredible Art Department logo trademarked.)

If a practicing artist were to try to market this work today, he/she may be challenged by the lawyers representing the Golden M. I will let the courts decide that one. My vote is this is allowed and falls under Fair Use/Parody. There is a bill up before the US Senate that would outlaw all creative expression using a company Trademark. The bill already passed in the House of Representatives (HR683). [UPDATE: This bill became law on October 6, 2006. See a summary of the law.]

Submitted by: Denise Pannell Draw like an Egyptian - Lesson Plan Grade level: 2nd grade on up.   Students create their own parchment/papyrus look by Sponges printing paper with gold, yellow ochre and white Acrylic Paint.   Gold, ochre and white acrylic is sponged on paper. Egyptian style drawings are done with black Sharpie Fine Point Markers drawing on top, watercolor accents added over - Finished paintings look like aged paintings from the tombs.   See Lesson Plan | See Denise's Sample - Full figure