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Poetry is another method of expressing yourself artistically. Just like visual art, there are many different styles of poetry to explore. Earlier we discussed Gary Snyder's nature-inspired poetry. Wally McRae writes poems that tell stories of cowboy life and ranching. Hank Nelson's poems and songs focus on the hard work of loggers. The activities in this section present poetry that tells a story in a more relaxed and informal style. Try creating a story poem of your own that draws on your own experiences.
Activity: Poetry in Motion
Read or listen to Wally McRae's poem "Reincarnation." Notice how Wally McRae uses words like "cowpoke" and "hoss" in his poem to let the reader know that this is a "cowboy poem." What special words or expressions could you use to let the reader know you are writing a poem about your own community? Write a few lines of your own poem incorporating slang and common expressions used among your friends.
Activity: Landscapes in Song
Some landscapes are not natural at all, but exist only in the imagination. During the 1920s and 1930s the United States was suffering through the Great Depression. Some people who had lost everything traveled around the country riding in railroad cars and sleeping in makeshift camps. They were called "hobos" or "tramps." "Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a famous American folk song, probably written by a hobo.
Read the lyrics or listen to the recording by Harry McClintock, a singer and composer from the early 20th century and try the next two activities.
Activity: Art Adventure
Based on the descriptions in the song, draw a picture of what you imagine a "Big Rock Candy Mountain" would look like. Don't forget to illustrate "the lemonade springs where the bluebird sings"!
Activity: Writing Project
Brochure to an Imagined Landscape
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" is about a utopian landscape—an imagined, perfect world. Think of other magical places in literature, such as Oz, Wonderland, Neverland, and Hogwarts. Write a travel brochure describing your own utopian landscape. You can add interest to your brochure by adding illustrations of your destination. Be imaginative, and don't worry if it sounds crazy; after all, it's supposed to be a dream world!
Activity: Art Adventure
Current Events Position Poster
Both Teresa Trulock's quilts and Nathan Jackson's totem poles are tangible works of art that also tell stories.
How can you use different media to get a story across and to express yourself more creatively? Try this activity to tell a story of your own.
1) Think about issues related to the environment, such as clean air and water, burning of fossil fuels, solar energy, logging, and animal conservation.
2) Select an issue that interests you, but don't tell anyone what it is.
3) Decide which side of the issue you want to present (in support of or against).
4) Use images to convey your issue AND your chosen point of view on the issue. You can use a collage of pictures cut out of old magazines, or you can draw your own picture. Keep in mind a few pointers:
• Choose an eye-catching image, and make it clear what your issue concerns.
• Don't use too many images, or you may confuse the viewer.
• No words or numbers allowed!
5) When your poster is complete, hold it up, and let your friends, parents, or classmates guess your position on the issue. If they figure it out, then you have conveyed your message with art! If not, think about what you might change. Ask the group for feedback on how you could clarify your message.
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