Art and Design A comprehensive guide for creative artists - Aaltodoc

CHAPTER ONE
Art and design
Art and design is a broad discipline, which occupies the
complete attention of creativity, function, expression, form
and composition.
Needless to say, the meanings and explanations of art and
design differ in so many ways.
Cohen et al (1976, 17) prefer a different description: “Art
refers to the conscious efforts of human beings; alongside
enclosed arrangement of colours, shapes, lines, sound,
movement and other sensory phenomenon, to express
their ideas and feelings about themselves and their world.”
Generally, art and design add up to skill acquisition,
function, history, politics, business, music, architecture,
environment and society/community.
Importance of art and design
Not every importance of art shall be considered here. But
for the sake of learning let us make our analysis with Irving's
(1996) explanation that “art education seek to develop
sensitive, creative and artistically literate individuals
who may grow to learn aesthetically, emotionally and
intellectually through active expression in arts.”
That is to say, the important aspects of art and design study
lead to acquiring necessary knowledge of subject matter, a
common ground of creativity, aesthetic awareness, function
and self-expressions. Jenkins (1980, 12) adds, “… the value
of art to the child is as the goals of an art experience and
projects.”
Here are some indistinguishable adaptations selected from
Jenkins (1980, 12) transcribed value of art to a child and to
the society:
• Art and design is a source of material for spiritual,
political, economic, social and religious rituals.
• Art and design “develops creative thinking.”
• It is a desirable skill set out for self-employment.
• By doing art and design we “enhance our visual
ability.”
• Art and design provides an easy “means of
communication and self-expression.” Through
critiques and by creating designs.
• On the other hand, a learner can “generate
absolute joy” of gaining an evidence-based skill
whenever an art and design task is successfully
executed.
• Many art and design courses “provide problem
solving decisions and opportunities.”
• It also “serves as a balance to the daily classroom
activities.”
• It allows the development of workshop habits and
“sense of responsibility” by working in groups.
• It is used as a tool of “understanding and helping
children,” natural tendencies.
• Art and design can also be used for intensifying
“aesthetic awareness” and appreciation of
indigenous art and local materials.
• Art and design has got latent qualities that allow
interconnections with other academic disciplines
like science and history.
• Doing art and design increases the learner's
attention span, tolerance, commitment and
interpretation of facts.
• Art and design holds diverse lucrative career
options such as, teaching; art and design and
working as a landscape decorator, interior, fashion
and furniture designer.
African art
African art can briefly be traced from various sources.
Willett (1971, 28, 36) believes, “it is anonymous.” To this point,
a lot of pre historic art has been discovered in the African
highlands, caves below mountains, river basins and forest
lowlands in central and parts of western Africa.
On the other hand, African art originates from different
societies of people. For example, the Hausa of Northern
Nigeria, Ibo, Fanti, Fulani, Yoruba, Mangbetu, Kota,
Makonde, Bambara, Kwele, Luba and the most predominant
Bantu.
10 11