The concept of the "Big Idea" that Sydney Walker introduces in Teaching Meaning in Artmaking allots for making art that has a significance. The "Big Idea" is just that, an overall theme that is explored with the media at hand. These ideas usually revolve around issues in today's societies that students can easily connect with a draw inspiration for artwork. Big Ideas allow for students to focus on the meaning of the artwork, rather than be solely centered around technical skills. In the art room, it is important for students to feel a connection to their artwork, and Art Educators who use "Big Ideas" in their lessons can influence this sort of meaningful art production.
Not all artwork must incorporate an overall theme or Big Idea. Though, this may make the artwork more powerful, and keep the attention of viewers... it is not the only thing that can influence strong work. I know that many artists create work spawned from their own emotions and often are a result of spontaneity. This type of artwork has an underlining theme that can sometimes only be explained by the artists themselves, and does not emit a "Big Idea" that all views can relate to and/or understand.
Big Ideas are a superb way for art educators to create meaning to their students' inspirations, and consequentially, their artwork. Thematic undertones allow students to think about their artwork in a more conceptual way, a put a lesser emphasis on the technical skill, which is equally as important, but often the only thing taught in the classroom.
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