We kicked of an eventful first day of Art and Seabird Camp by creating puffin-shaped boats. Building “The Puffin Boat” includes origami, coloring, cutting out multiple stencils and constructing the boat out of all these pieces. When we finally finished our puffin creations it was time for “The Big Float” puffin race. The puffins all floated just fine, but the puffins were not equipped to deal with the day’s strong winds. The winner was the only one to cross the finish line.
We learned about the process of creating professional sculptures that are sturdy and long-lasting: 1) build on armature out of metal wire, 2) fill out with bulking agent, 3) strengthen with a layer of masking tape and, 4) apply a coating of paper clay for detailed sculpting. Cordell made a choochkie egg based on his experience of digging up talus with his father for subsistence gathering. Chipper added a hat to his seabird chick and a couple other kids followed this whimsical approach.
Next, we brainstormed ideas for our mural based on the question “What represents St. George Island to you?” We had some clear favorites such as seals and seabirds but also some unexpected ideas. Jillian thought we should include the “science people” who come to the island every summer. Chipper very specifically insisted on tufted puffins floating on the sea with a sunset behind. The mural design was sketched out and took shape as we discussed our ideas.
