As you know, here at Spark we like to take inspiration from the world around us and transform it into easy-to-do art activities. We’ve encouraged you to harness the power of the sun to make cyanotypes. We’ve invited you to share messages of hope with your neighbors. Well folks, today we are taking inspiration from the sky once again. This time, the moon.
July 5 marked a full moon. This is when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. While it’s not a great time for stargazing, it is an excellent time to see the “man in the moon.”
What is the man in the moon? Many cultures have stories of how the man in the moon came to be. Scientists suggest that early asteroid impacts on the opposite side of the moon resulted in magma flows that cooled to leave dark patches of “lunar maria” or “lunar seas.” During a full moon, some of these patches combine to form what looks like a grinning human face, commonly known as the “Man in the Moon.”
So how can YOU become the face on the moon, you ask? Well simple! All you need is an empty toilet paper roll and your phone. We know everyone has a cell phone these days, and given the “Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020,” we know you all have many empty toilet paper rolls lying around the house. This is a great art activity to learn about framing/composition, mood, lighting, and creativity.
First, find a dimly lit room. Place the end of the empty toilet paper roll around your phone’s camera. Facing toward the light, play with framing your face. Experiment with different facial expressions to convey mood. Find other models or “faces” around your house. Voila! You’ve captured the “man” in the moon.
Have fun, and be sure to share your best selfie with us @ScottsdaleArts #moonselfie.
Did you know? In 2016, Learning & Innovation worked with the inventor of the lunar rover to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. Check out this great video about Ferenc Pavelic’s story.
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