Art with Kids, Light Art, Photography, Sumico Net Blog

Light Arts by Kids on Earth Hour 2011

March 27, 2011 admins148

We had a small gathering for the Earth Hour on Saturday, 26 March 2011. We have been participating Earth Hour since 2008. This is our 4th year.

Some Kids who joined us this year for the first time made lanterns using recycling materials; decorate a empty jar with papers, ribbons, confetti, cello, and etc. I tied the jar on a stick from the garden with wires.

We did other recycle crafts using plastic bag to make some badges – cut the plastic bag into the shape, draw on them, place on the felt, place the baking paper on the top, then press by the iron. The artwork sticks onto the felt and cut the felt along the shape. (when you use the iron, place the baking paper on the top and press for 20 sec. or so)

When we turned the light off at 8:30pm, a candle light concert was started. Talented kids played flute, clarinet, piano and violin.

After the concert, kids enjoyed light arts. I asked kids to draw with the flash lights and I took the photos. I divided kids into two groups – boys and girls. Boys are young kids between 6 to 10, so the drawings were basic, but quite effective. Girls discussed what they wanted to draw, and they drew a cat, a bunny and peace sign. Girls worked well as a team and their drawings were impressive.

Please have a look at their artworks.

Note: Last 5 photos were not taken on the Earth Hour. Photo taken by Nikon DS3100 with slow shutter speed.

[Show picture list]

Graphic Design, Sumico Net Blog, Sumico Net News

Pray for Japan

March 21, 2011 admins148

The north coast of Japan was hit by a horrible tsunami after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred 80 miles offshore.

According to the Asahi newspaper today, the death toll is now 8,649 and 13,261 are missing. 319,101 people are in the evacuation centres.

Nuclear Plants are still not stable, and critical situation.

There are many organisations who are collecting donations.

I have done through Red Cross Australia. If you are interested in donating, please visit the Red Cross website in your country.

http://www.redcross.org.au/default.asp

You can show your support in your facebook to create a badge.

http://www.picbadges.com/pray-for-japan-63/1333940/

I created this “pray for Japan”. (Plum flower is from the book called “Flowers Materials”. Click the image, the you can see the whole image. Please feel free to download, if you like.

I believe that Japan will overcome this situation and my thoughts are with people in Japan. I pray for Japan.

Graphic Design, Photography, Sumico Net Blog, Sumico Net News

Printing a Photographic artwork on a Signboard

March 21, 2011 admins148

I liked my artwork of photography and typography, so I decided to print it. First, I though of printing on the Canvas, however, it is quite expensive. When I checked the price for large size (75x150mm), the cost was nearly AU$500.

I thought about printing as a poster and mounted on styrofoam board. I have to do more research how to get the styrofoam and mount properly, or I need to look for someone who can do it.

I asked a local frame shop, but they said that they were not able to help me. I know one place in Brisbane, but I wanted to see it as soon as I could.

I want to try my styrofoam idea one day, but I tried a different thing this time and I think that it would be one of the most reasonable ways.

I asked a local printing company whom I normally use for business card printing. I visited them to see what they can do, and I decided to print on a signboard. The cost was very reasonable for the 620x925mm artwork.

I like the result for the price. It may not be perfect, though. There are some lines from the board, and it is gross finish. (I like mat finish.) If you are looking for a cheaper alternative on large print, this option would be suitable for you.

If you have any suggestions to print large image at reasonable prices, please advise me

Art with Kids, Arts, Books, Sumico Net Blog

21st Century art for kids (Book review)

March 8, 2011 admins148

Gallery of Modern Art (GoMa) Queensland, Australia is displaying an exhibition called “21st Century Art in the first decade”. http://qag.qld.gov.au

This is a fantastic exhibition and it is free!

I have visited a couple of times and each time I really had a great time!

I liked many artworks such as live birds flying called “here to ear” by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot, “Soul under the moon” and “Narcissus garden” by Yayoi Kusama, Katharina Grosse’s Spray painting eggs, walking in the 3000 purple balloons, sliding in the sack from the third floor to the ground floor, creating white lego buildings and so on. There are so much fun for adults and kids!

When I visited there last time, I bought the book called “21st Century Art for Kids” and I recommend this book for your children who are interested in the arts.

I often wonder what kind of things the artists did or liked when they were kids. This book has an answer. This books tells you what the artists liked doing when they were kids and how they became artists.

It includes activities for kids which relate to each artist’s work. We tried spray paints by Katharina Grosse’s. It has a wonderful story included by Arthur Koo-Ekka Pambegan Jr.

The book cost around $30, and it has a great value.

This books tells about 36 artists telling the kids followings;