Chuck CloseUNIT 1: IDENTITY

LTC 4240: Art for Children

Presentation by Mary Franco and Amber Ward

Artist Chuck Close writes note to younger self (8:08)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxR3ELuZjLw

Charles Osgood interview with Chuck Close (4:07)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbcP8zNrqsk

“I was ‘dumb,’ a ‘shirker,’ ‘lazy;’

my ‘mind wandered.’

This was written on my report cards.”

Chuck Close

Big Self-Portrait Chuck Close1967–1968

acrylic on canvas

IMPOSED IDENTITY

“one of the most recognized artists of our era”(who just happens to have a few disabilities.)

With hard work and determination,

Close assumed a new IDENTITY

Chuck Close’s work is about

IDENTITY

By creating monumentalhyperrealistic portraits,Close captures the model’s unique IDENTIFYING MARKS that distinguish her from all others.

Leslie, 1973Chuck Close

Close’s mark-making impacts

Perceived IDENTITY of the model

MULTIPLES of friend, Composer Phillip Glass

Close has portrayed Glass’s face more than any other, recycling a 1968 image of the composer “150 times or something” (Comita citing Close, 2007)

Chuck Close, “Zhang Huan I,” 2008

Chuck Close, “Fanny/Fingerpainting,” 1985

Chuck Close, “Georgia,” 1984Pulp Paper Collage

Chuck Close, “Lucas,” 1987

His marks, methods, and MATERIALS evoke different feelings about each model’s IDENTITY

“I think problem-solving is highly overrated. Problem CREATION is much more interesting. If you want to react personally, you have to move away from other people’s ideas. You have to back yourself into your own corner where no one else’s solutions apply and ask yourself to behave as an individual.”

(Greenberg & Jordan citing Close, 1998)

Chuck Close meets Walt Disney:Marks, Multiples, and Materials

LTC 4240: Art for ChildrenSpring Semester 2013Lesson Created by Olivia Gude

Into the Complex Characters of Disney1. Begin on page 22. Consider two Disney characters that, for some reason, appeal to you:

one protagonist and one antagonist3. Write the two names on the provided blanks4. List traits of each character in the 2nd column. Conduct research on

the web, if necessary (try Disney.wikia.com)5. In the first column, rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 for each row

based upon similar traits (be honest)6. Compete the last column for each character by providing evidence of

similarities7. Find the average of both the protagonist and the antagonist8. What did you find? Any surprises?9. Consider which character(s) you would like to honor, and continue the

discovery process through artmaking10. If necessary, complete the exercise again using additional characters

on page 1

Artmaking• Using “marks, multiples, and materials,” create a painting

and/or drawing representing your multifaceted identity. • Consider utilizing layering and juxtaposition to assist you

in honoring the unique identifying marks that distinguish you from all others. • Please experiment with several of the following

materials: Disney character pages, photos, tracing paper, construction paper, scissors, adhesive, crayon, and/or watercolors.• Student work:

https://naea.digication.com/Spiral/Bureau_of_Misdirection--WORKING

“Never let anyone define what you are capable of by using parameters that don’t apply to you.”

“Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get up and go to work.”

“Sign on to a process and see where it takes you.”

“If you’re overwhelmed by the size of a problem, break it down Into mini bite-sized pieces.”

Words of Wisdom from Chuck Close

ReferencesGreenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (1998). Chuck Close, Upclose. New York, NY: DK.

Osgood, C. (2010, February 21). [Video interview]. CBS Sunday Morning.Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxR3ELuZjLw

Rose, C. (2012, April 10). Note to self: Artist Chuck Close’s advise to younger self. CBS This Morning. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxR3ELuZjLw

Additional Resources

http://www.printfreegraphpaper.com/Print various kinds of graph paper for free on your own printer.

A Musical Portrait of Chuck Close by Phillip Glasshttp://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=43364027&ac=now