Cultural and Maintenance of Creative Art

Subject: Cultural and Creative Art

Topic: Cultural and Maintenance of Creative Art

Class: Basic 5

Objectives:

1. The Meaning of Creative Art

Creative art is the expression of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, or through performance like music and dance. It is a way of communicating ideas, emotions, and experiences without necessarily using words. When you draw a picture of your family, mold a cup out of clay, or perform a traditional dance, you are engaging in creative art.

In a broader sense, creative art is divided into two main branches: Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Visual Arts include things we can see and touch, like drawings, paintings, and crafts. Performing Arts involve using the body and voice, such as drama and music. 

2. Values of Creative Art

Creative art holds great importance in our society. These importance or benefits are known as "values." They include:

• Aesthetic Value: This refers to the beauty that art adds to our environment. Art makes our homes, schools, and streets look more attractive and pleasant to live in.
• Cultural Value: Art helps us preserve our traditions. Through traditional carvings, weaving, and festivals, we learn about the history and beliefs of our ancestors. 
• Economic Value: Creative art is a source of income. Artists, painters, fashion designers, and photographers sell their works and services to earn a living. 
• Educational Value: Art teaches us how to observe the world closely. It improves our hand-eye coordination and helps us learn about colors, shapes, and textures.
• Therapeutic and Recreational Value: Creating art is a way to relax and have fun. It helps people express hidden emotions and can reduce stress after a long day of work or study.

3. Materials Used in Creative Art

To create art, we need specific tools and materials. These materials vary depending on the type of art being produced. In Nigeria, we use both modern manufactured materials and local natural materials.

• Drawing Materials: These include lead pencils of various grades (like 2B or 4B), charcoal, crayons, colored pencils, erasers, and drawing paper or sketchbooks.
• Painting Materials: Painters use different types of paints such as watercolors, poster colors, or acrylics. They also use brushes of different sizes, palettes for mixing colors, and easels to hold their canvases.
• Sculpting and Modeling Materials: These include clay (which can be found locally in riverbeds), plasticine, wood, stones, and carving tools like chisels and mallets.
• Craft Materials: For making crafts like beads or baskets, we use threads, needles, beads, raffia, cane, and fabrics like Ankara or Adire.

4. Care and Maintenance of Creative Art Materials and Works

Caring for our tools and finished artworks is very important. If we do not maintain them, they will spoil, break, or fade, leading to a waste of money and effort.

How to Care for Art Materials:

• Brushes: After painting, always wash brushes immediately with soap and water. 
• Pencils and Crayons: Keep them in a pencil case or box so they do not break. Always sharpen pencils carefully.
• Paints: Ensure the lids of paint containers are tightly closed after use to prevent the paint from drying up.
• Clay: Keep unused clay in an airtight plastic bag or a covered bucket with a little moisture to keep it soft for the next use.

How to Care for Finished Artworks:

• Framing: Paintings and drawings should be framed under glass to protect them from dust, moisture, and insects.
• Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster to gently remove dust from sculptures and framed pictures. Never use harsh chemicals or wet cloths on a painting.
• Storage and Display: Keep artworks away from direct sunlight, as the sun can cause the colors to fade over time. Ensure they are kept in a dry place to prevent mold or "foxing" (brown spots on paper).
• Handling: Always handle artworks with clean, dry hands. Avoid touching the surface of a painting or a delicate sculpture directly, as the oils from your skin can cause damage over many years.