Soul Birds Print
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AjI8E4E-e6wn20-cUaI0PkWipImHGfzN/view?usp=drive_link
Content Objective:
I can create a drawing of a soul-bird inspired by the Finnish Sielulintu folklore tradition,
transfer the drawing onto styrofoam to create a printing plate, and use water-soluble markers to
create three unique prints of their soul-bird in three color ways.
Language Objective:
1. Printmaking: an artistic process based on the principle of transferring images from a
matrix onto another surface, most often paper or fabric.
2. Monoprint: a form of printmaking where the image can only be made once, unlike most
printmaking which allows for multiple originals.
3. soul-bird: In Finnish folklore there is something known as the Sielulintu, which literally
means soul-bird. The Sielulinu was believed to bring children their souls when they were
born, and carry it away again when they died.
4. Folklore: the whole of oral traditions shared by a particular group of people, culture or
subculture. This includes tales, myths, legends, proverbs, poems, jokes, and other oral
traditions. They include material culture, such as traditional building styles common to the
group.
5. Totemism: system of belief in which humans are said to have kinship or a mystical
relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant.
6. Talisman: a charm that is supposed to ward off evil or illness.
7. Geometric Shape: A geometric shape is an object with a fixed structure. These shapes are
made up of lines, curves, angles, and surfaces. Some of the known geometric shapes are
square, rectangle, circle, cylinder, etc.
Biography of Finnish Textile Artist Sanna Annukka:
Sanna Annukka is a Finnish-English illustrator and printmaker based in Brighton, UK. She is
well-known for her vibrant and distinctive style inspired by Finnish folklore, nature, and culture. Her
work often incorporates bold geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and folk motifs. Annukka has
collaborated with various brands and artists, including Marimekko and Keane. Her illustrations are
widely recognized and have been featured in books, textiles, and prints.
Compositionally many of Sanna’s paintings take on totemic or talismanic forms, invoking the
power and significance that these symbols have held across cultures and time periods.
Materials:
Sample soul-bird images from work by Sanna Annukka
Spray bottle of water or wet wipes
Sponge (not needed if using wet wipes)
4x6 piece of plain white paper
4x6 piece of plain white styrofoam
Colored pencils
Pencil
90 lb white paper 7x18
Water-soluble markers
Brayer
Steps for the Project:
1. Introduction to Soul-Bird and Sanna Annukka
○ Show students sample images of soul-birds from Sanna Annukka's work.
○ Discuss the concept of the soul-bird and its significance in Finnish folklore.
i. Discussion Questions:
● What is folklore, and why is it important in understanding a culture's
traditions?
● Have you heard of any folk traditions in the US or any other countries?
● How do artists express cultural traditions through their work?
2. Practice Drawing: Direct draw a sample soul-bird with students from the white board.
Allow students to customize the geometric shapes and patterns on their own drawing.
Use colored pencils to color the draft soul-bird. Use Annukka’s soul-birds for color palette
ideas.
3. Preparation of Image for Styrofoam: Before drawing directly on the styrofoam, students
will create another image on a 4x6 sheet of paper to use as a guide for tracing onto the
styrofoam. This step allows students to plan and refine their design before transferring it
onto the styrofoam printing plate. *Students should ensure they draw BIG and that their
lines are neat to ensure a good transfer to the printing plate.
4. Drawing on Styrofoam: Provide each student with a 4x6 piece of white styrofoam. Tape
the 4x6 paper soul-bird onto the styrofoam and trace the image pressing hard to ensure
they make a deep impression on the styrofoam. Students should then remove the paper
and use a color pencil to trace over their lines one more time.
5. Coloring the Printing Plate/styrofoam: After tracing, students will use water-soluble
markers to color their soul-bird and the background directly onto the styrofoam. Every
section must be colored. **Teachers should explain that only the raised areas will transfer.
6. Pulling Prints: Demonstrate how to pull a print using the completed printing plate. Spray a
small amount of water on the paper (or use a wet wipe), wipe it down with a sponge, and
then press the colored plate to the paper. Use the brayer to press the ink into the paper
firmly. Lift the plate to reveal the print.
7. After each successful print, students will rinse their printing plate in the sink, dry it, and
begin again. STUDENTS DO THIS TOO FAST AND THEN THE MARKER DOESN’T STICK
TO THE STYROFOAM. Ask them to slow down and thoroughly dry the plate before
reusing.
8. Students will continue pulling prints until they have three final prints.
Troubleshooting:
Blurry? Too much water.
No ink? Not enough water.
A wet wipe is also effective for wetting the paper if you do not have a spray bottle or are
concerned students won’t know how much or little water to spray.
I like to turn the plate onto the paper so that I can verify placement exactly where I would like it.
Students may prefer to place the paper over the plate - either approach is fine and I demonstrate
both.
Encourage students to use the brayer in every direction before removing the plate from their print.
Firm, consistent pressure is best.
Success Criteria:
1. Students accurately depict a soul-bird inspired by Sanna Annukka's style.
2. Students transfer their drawing onto styrofoam with precision and neatness.
3. Students effectively use water-soluble markers to color their printing plate.
4. Students successfully pull three final prints with clear and vibrant images.
Formative Assessment:
Ongoing observation and feedback with students during project work time.
Summative Assessment:
1. Accuracy and creativity in depicting the soul-bird.
2. Neatness and precision in transferring the drawing onto styrofoam.
3. Effective use of color on the printing plate.
4. Quality and clarity of the final prints.
Texas Fine Arts Standards for Third Grade:
Creative Expression:
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(1)(A) - Generate ideas for original artworks using observation,
imagination, and experiences.
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(2)(A) - Communicate ideas, experiences, and stories through
original artworks.
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(2)(B) - Use a variety of materials, tools, and techniques to
make art.
Historical and Cultural Relevance:
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(3)(A) - Recognize and describe how artworks can reflect ideas,
beliefs, and cultural traditions.
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(3)(B) - Identify connections between artworks and the cultures,
societies, and historical periods in which they were created.
Critical Evaluation and Response:
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(4)(A) - Describe personal preferences and reasons for
preferences when responding to artworks.
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(4)(B) - Recognize and describe how artists use the elements of
art and the principles of design to communicate ideas.
● Standard: 117.3 (b)(4)(C) - Describe and compare the characteristics of artworks
using subject matter, themes, and symbols.