Students at Lakshmipath Singhania Academy International in Kolkata recently embarked on an innovative art project aimed at building characters for stories, revealing their hidden talents. The initiative involved secondary grade 8 and 7 students and focused on merging artistic skills with narrative creativity.

The project began with students creating textures using objects collected from their homes, such as leaves, fabrics, and kitchen tools. These items were used to take impressions, forming unique backgrounds for their artwork. This hands-on approach introduced students to new artistic techniques and encouraged them to see the creative potential in everyday objects.

With textured backgrounds ready, students crafted cutouts to serve as characters in their stories. Initially, each student used the same character template, providing a uniform starting point. However, as the project progressed, students developed their unique narratives around these characters. Despite beginning with the same prop, the diverse stories that emerged showcased the students' imaginative abilities.

Teachers observed that this project was particularly effective in engaging students who might not typically excel in traditional art classes. By focusing on the creation process and allowing for personal expression, the project helped students discover hidden talents and gain confidence in their artistic skills.

In just a short time, students at Lakshmipath Singhania Academy learned to create textures, develop characters, and weave stories, all while expressing their creativity. The project's success highlights the value of innovative teaching methods that encourage students to explore and develop their unique talents.

By Piu Mahapatra, Art and Design facilitator