This week’s picture is of an NATIVE AMERICAN THUNDERBIRD using CHALK PASTELS as the medium.
In this picture, your child explored:
- Designs and history of the Native American Thunderbird symbol
- Symbols and motifs in art
- Repetition, pattern, and symmetry
THE DRAWING:
Native American Thunderbird
This week’s drawing is of the Native American Thunderbird. Some fun facts about the thunderbird symbol:
- The Thunderbird’s name comes from the idea that its enormous wings create thunder. The Lakota name for the Thunderbird is Wakį́ya, a word formed from two words meaning “sacred” and “winged.”
- According to Indian legend in the Pacific Northwest Coast, the Thunderbird is powerful enough to hurt and even carry off the giant Killer Whale. This is the basis for the legend “The Thunderbird and the Whale.”
- Some tribes saw the Thunderbird as an individual entity, some as plural.
- The singular Thunderbird was said to be the servant of the Great Spirit, residing on the top of a mountain. It only flew about to carry messages from one spirit to another.
- The plural form of the thunderbirds were believed to be able to shape shift into human form by tilting back their beaks like a mask, and removing their feathers like feather-covered blankets. There are even stories of thunderbirds in human form marrying into pure human families; some Native American families trace their lineage to such an event.
- Some legends saw the Thunderbird as protective, keeping Indian tribes safe from harm. Others saw it as a fearful creature, carrying off any who dared cross its sacred mountain.
The Air Force Thunderbirds adopted the name, influenced by the strong Indian culture and folklore of the southwestern U.S. where the team was activated. Indian legends regarded the Thunderbird with fear and respect; when it took to the skies, the earth trembled with the thunder of its great wings. Nothing in nature could challenge the Thunderbird. This was just the commanding presence the Air Force Thunderbirds wished to inspire.
THE MEDIUM:
Using NuPastel Chalk Pastels
At KidzArt we use Prismacolor NuPastel color sticks. This form of chalk has a slightly varnished surface, which keeps it harder and cleaner than other varieties. They come in thin sticks which can be easily broken to be more manageable for small hands.
We show the kids how to use their fingers or a tissue to blend the chalk pastels; q-tips blend well in smaller areas. Because of the medium’s texture, the pictures can smear easily; you may want to spray the finished artwork with hairspray to help the chalk adhere to the page.
Ask Your Child:
· To describe their Thunderbird’s unique patterns and symbols.
· To talk about the history behind the Thunderbird symbol.
· To explain the chalk pastel techniques she used in her picture.
