By Clare Boreham Kerr

In this resource, specialist art teacher Clare Boreham Kerr shares a project inspired by the colours and patterns used by the artist Yayoi Kusama. This multimedia activity uses a range of materials, including sketchbooks, to make colourful giant jewellery. Clare works in special educational needs education, but this project could be translated across a variety of settings.

This three-part project can be split across three or four sessions. Beginning with sketchbooks and drawing, pupils will move onto collage and 3D work, finishing off with a session dedicated to construction and reflection.

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“The research phase of a creative project can be presented in many different ways, and can even be an art form in itself. Here, Tatyana demonstrates how her sketchbooks became a medium through which she expressed her thoughts, refined her ideas and explored materials. We believe sketchbooks to be a powerful tool for children to take ownership of their ideas and travel on their own creative journey, without necessarily knowing the destination. Take a look at our sketchbook journey for more sketchbook inspiration” – Rachel, AccessArt.

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So often, we hear talk of the distinction between science and art, and no more so when teenagers proceed through their education and they are encouraged to choose one route or another. In reality, creative thinking helps scientific understanding and a scientific approach can inform and inspire art.

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