Designed for students aged 11–14 (UK Key Stage 3 / Years 7–9), but adaptable for other ages.
Learning objectives
Explore what textures can be made with frottage.
See how the unexpected can trigger our imagination.
Learning outcomes
A large imaginary animal collaged out of frottage.
You will need
Thin paper, such as newsprint
Graphite stick
Scissors
Glue
Ella WrightThings Look Good From Here
Daniel C TurnerLiverpool Street
Exercise 1
Frottage is made by placing your sheet of paper on a flat surface and rubbing evenly across the sheet of paper with your graphite stick. This will leave an imprint of the texture on the sheet of paper.
Wherever you are look around and try to notice the textures of the objects around you. If you are in a class room what is the surface of the floor and walls? Is there a fan or radiator? If you are outside trees, sticks and gravel all can make exciting textures.
With as much paper as you have try to create as many rubbings on paper collecting as many textures as possible. You will collage this later so it’s best to get large spaces and create as much as possible.
Exercise 2
Look at your textures and try to imagine what animals might have similar fur or scales. Perhaps a grating resembles a lizards scales or a cloth resembles a horses fur? Your animal can also be totally imaginary.
Once you have an idea based on the rubbings, begin to cut the pieces that will create your creature. Think about the details of what could make the eyes or hands too.
Exercise 3
Finally once you are happy with your composition, stick down the pieces on a large sheet of paper. Think about the placement of the limbs. Could the animal be running or flying?
