visioning drawing project

For the last several weeks I've been envisioning a new project for my Basics students centered around the idea of them creating a visioning image.  Vision boards (made popular by self help gurus and books/films such as the secret) are a collection of powerful images and words which help you visualize your goals for the future.  An example can be seen below.

Vision board example

As my students have been working so much with technology to collage I thought it would be a good idea to get them psychically involved i the process of collage.  Last week I had them begin constructing their own vision boards based off of one of two prompts 1) "imagine you are looking back on your life when you are 80 years old - what moments, accomplishments, etc will stick out?" or 2) "create a collage which describes how you envision your future life."  These collages will serve as part of the background layer for their talisman drawings.

As cheesy as it might be, part of what makes the visioning process powerful is that by articulating what you want you are also becoming more cognizant of these goals.  In this spirit I thought that constructing a vision board layered with maps (metaphoric for life's journey), the students' vision collages, and their own handwriting would not only be beautiful but very meaningful.  On top of these layers students will be collaging a beautifully rendered drawing of a personal talisman which is symbolic of the hopes and dreams they wish to achieve.

To visualize this process (and the final result) I've constructed two digital mock ups of what I think these collages could potentially look like.  The drawings in the middle are not my own, but I think they are good examples of well-crafted singular objects drawn on toned paper.  You can click on the images for a larger view.

Additionally, I would like for students to complete some reflective writing that is included within the piece. I haven't decided on the prompt yet - but I think it will be a nice addition.  Thus far I am thinking these will be collaged onto canvas panel in between layers of tissue and paint washes.  I think this could be a great way to get students interested in collage and physical layering as well as drawing (without the intimidation of having to draw an entire still life).  I'm pretty pumped - I hope they are too!  I'll keep you posted!

PS - Though I can't find better pics here are a few examples of the layering process as I've experimented with it before (winter 2008).  These were frames I found at Michaels that I collaged/painted to display photographs printed on organza of my late grandfather.  I'll have to see if I can get a hold of the originals to show my students.

this photo shows the process - lots of collage bits torn and layered

the finished piece - many layers of paper, cloth, photos, paint, inks, and leafing.  Miss him horribly :(