This summer saw Texans across the state adjusting their day-to-day lives in an effort to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. The news changed by the minute, which left most of us feeling unsure of what was coming next. It was during this time of change that a few dozen art students embarked on an exploration into the history of this great state. Perhaps it was the idea that the history of Texas, and its people, could serve as a bridge to understanding humanity. That art and history could shed light on previous Texans that had to endure traumatic times and overcome hardships. And just maybe that making art could provide perspective during a time when it was much needed.

On June the 3rd, 2020, our Texas Stories class launched via YouTube and online virtual classes. The 8 part series provided education and built connection between the arts, Texas history, and the participants involved. Throughout June and July students received video art lessons, which were then followed-up with a virtual class where they further explored the topic. Art Spark Instructor Jerry Slayton led the class and was joined by a different guest speaker each week. Each class concluded with time for questions and an opportunity for participants to share their artwork.

Lesson 1 focused on an Austin legend, Elisabet Ney. Elisabet was one of the most prominent commissioned Texas sculptors of the mid 1800s, and her museum, located here in Austin, holds a number of her master works. Special guest, Sarah Porter from the Ney Museum, lead students through Elisabet’s trailblazing biography in which she broke numerous cultural and social norms. One of her social quirks was to fly a flag from her rooftop whenever she was home, so in remembrance of Miss Ney students created their own flag designs.

In Lesson 2 students followed the building techniques of a first peoples of Texas, the Caddo Indians of East Texas. The art lesson involved creating a paper collage by following the steps that the Caddo used to build their homes. Special guest, Rachel Galan, opened our eyes to the rich agricultural history of the Caddo people and the earthen mounds that they constructed for ceremonial purposes. The Caddo Mound State Historic Site is located outside of Nacogdoches, TX and is home to several mound structures for viewing.

Each class in the 8 part series had several highlights but perhaps Lesson 4, The Buffalo Soldiers story, stands out for a number of reasons. Our special guest Private Allen Mack of the Living History Foundation dressed in full period specific uniform and performed an engaging account of what life was like for young African-American soldiers of the 9 and 10th infantry. His passion for the topic incited a wonderful discussion and seemed to excite students to share their bandanna art projects throughout the rest of class.

Then finally, just when we felt the history couldn’t get any richer, Lesson 7 on the Coahuiltecan People of South Texas came around. Guest Speaker, Maria Rocha of the Indigenous Cultures Institute, engaged participants through her wonderful story-telling of the Coahuiltecan Creation Story. For her 15 minute lecture we were all teleported to a time and space long ago, around a fire, where tribal elders shared the origins of the known world. Students shared their picture comic projects, which also followed the creation story. It was truly magical.

If hearing about these Texas Stories has sparked your interest, I strongly encourage you to join us this fall for Texas Stories, Volume 2 classes. It promises to be a fun and engaging series that provides everyone with new artistic tools as well as an education in the history of our area. Registration info can be found in the link below!

Register for Texas Stories Vol. 2

by Jerry Slayton

Animate objects, such as you and I, live in constant motion. We use our skeleton in concert with our muscles to perform a wide variety of large and small movements. Animals, plants, even water, share this animate quality. So why do we create artworks that sit still?

Stop-motion animation developed alongside photography in the late 1800s. It is a filmmaking style in which objects are physically moved in small increments and then photographed after each movement. The wonder of animation is that any object, from a still drawing to a block of wood, can be brought to life through this process. Cut paper, fabric puppets, and clay models are commonly used in animated films to tell fiction and non-fiction stories.

To develop their characters, many animators create walk cycles, or walking loop animation. A walk cycle allows the animator to explore the personality of a subject through movement. In today’s blog post we will breakdown the basic steps in creating a Walk Cycle and give you the tools to make your own.

Step 1- Choosing a Subject

To begin the process of making a walk cycle, we must first choose a subject. For today’s example, I have chosen a cat. We start by sketching the cat with a pencil, then add dark outlines and color.

Step 2- Planning the Movements

To create the illusion of movement, we will need to draw the cat in a variety of walking poses. It helps to start by sketching the basic stick figure of the cat and then add the contour lines of the body. In the photo below I have drawn each cat on a separate sheet of paper. Regular 20lb copy paper works great because it is slightly transparent, allowing you to see through and trace. For this animation we draw 8 separate pictures of the cat walking. We’ll finish each cat by adding dark outlines and color.

Step 3- Recording the Animation

Next, each picture in the sequence must be photographed. I like to write the order number on the back of each drawing to help me remember the sequence. It’s important to keep your camera absolutely still while photographing the drawings, I recommend using a tripod or mounting your camera or device to a solid piece of furniture.

Step 4- Editing

Once the drawings have been photographed you can organize them in an editing software to play the walk cycle.There are many methods for recording and editing available to animators today. For this animation, I’m using an application called iMotion. It’s a free download in the Apple Store and I will attach a video link below that goes into more detail.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the walk cycle and stop-motion animation, your still drawings can come to life. I encourage anyone interested to explore other materials, such as clay, cut paper, even household objects to create new and exciting works of moving art!

Register online at https://forms.gle/7xnpzG5LTXcbMk986

Extended for two more weeks! Join us for a weekly art activity and virtual discussion based on Texas History. Work at your own pace with recorded video lessons. Then, come together once a week on a virtual video chat or call with instructor Jerry Slayton and invited guest. All ages (with and without disabilities) are welcome–perfect for families looking for activities to do together.

• Wednesday, July 8 – Collage of Texas with Natural Dyes
• Wednesday, July 15 – The Coahuiltecan People of South Texas
• Wednesday, July 22 – The Goodnight Ranch

Are you a native Texan? Or maybe you have recently moved here. Either way, Texas history is a fascinating subject and there is always something new to learn. Join us in June and early July for a weekly art activity and virtual discussion based on Texas History.

Learn about Texas heroes such as the Caddo Indians, Elisabet Ney, Susanna Dickinson, the Buffalo Soldiers, El Camino Real and more during this six-week class. Work at your own pace all week with recorded video lessons. Then, come together once a week on a virtual video chat or call with Instructor Jerry Slayton to discuss the topic.

Each week will include a special guest and time to share what you have created. These activities are great for learners of all ages, with and without disabilities. Also, it’s perfect for families looking for activities to do together!

• Wednesdays, 1-2:00 pm
• June 3 – July 22, 2020
• Register online at https://forms.gle/7xnpzG5LTXcbMk98
• Questions? Contact us at classroom@artsparktx.org

About the Instructor

Jerry Slayton is the New Media Arts lead instructor for Art Spark Texas and most recently program manager of the Arc of the Arts. Currently, Jerry teaches graphic design and filmmaking in a partnership with AISD’s Go Project for young adults with disabilities.