Terra Forma Cards the creativity catalyst
What Does it mean to be creative? To truly create something?
As artists, we can struggle with finding new direction and inspirations for our work.
As art teachers, we see our students struggling similarly with ideation and conceptual thinking.
Where is the disconnect?
How do we guide students past replication to becoming visual creators?
With content at their fingertips
How do we become facilitators for our students, rather than idea generators?
Terra Forma Cards
an interactive springboard activity to help artists form unique connections between content and concept in their work
How exactly do TerRa forMa cards work?
Pick Them Out
There are 15 pairs of images in the deck. Each pair is denoted by a pattern in the middle.
Students choose the image from 3-5 pairs that they find more visually appealing.
Some of the pairs are dynamically different, while others are similar with different connotations.
Flip Them over
On the back of each card there are six lists that pertain to the image: Themes, Subjects, Processes, Topics, Actions, and Media.
Artists use a combination of the numerous lists to complete the questions on the Catalyst Card.
Make Connections
Using the lists from the cards, artists form unique connections between possible subject matter and abstract themes for their art work.
The first two questions are starting points for a work of art or series of works. Questions three through five offer ways to further push the idea.
Modular procEss
The teacher can decide which blanks are provided and which blanks the students fill in on their own using the cards.
For instance, the teacher could provide a specific theme to the class. The students could use the cards to determine a subject that relates to the theme, as well as what process and media to use.
Create something unique
Teachers can reinforce students that struggle, while challenging those that are gifted. There are countless possible connections to be made; the chance for artists to create art with voice.
Terra Forma Cards aren't only for the classroom. Grab a deck, a sketchbook and head to a coffee shop or your favorite place to draw. See what unique and personal ideas you can come up with for your own art!
Available DEcks
Elementary Art
The Elementary Art edition is a very versatile deck that can be used with students ranging K-12. This addition help students develop basic creativity, while starting the process of connecting subject matter to themes or topics. Also, the categories of this deck are intended to help reinforce what younger students are learning in the general education classroom.
Advanced Art
The Advanced Art edition delves deeper into connecting subject matter with abstract thematic underpinnings. This edition is also intended to help students push their artistic concepts both in application and ideation. It is important to note that this deck is not reserved strictly for students! Any practicing artist can use this deck to push their art!
Humanities
The Humanities edition is intended to be used with secondary English, Social Studies, and Humanities students. Participants use this deck to generate original topics for abstracts, research papers, essays, etc. The Humanities edition helps students generate connections between literature, historical figures, geography, world events, etc.
Upcoming Decks
Science Fair
The science deck can be used with grades three through eight to develop a unique topic for science fair projects, but is also adaptable for high school life and physical science classes as well. This edition help students formulate you need connections between relevant scientific themes, life science, physical science, and notable scientists throughout history.
Elementary Humanities
The elementary humanities edition guide students through formulating connections between their community and communities around the world, while incorporating literature and historical figures.
Special Education
Environmental Science
Staff development
Current staff development offerings for districts include:
- Experiencing Terra Forma Cards (general or content specific)
- Terra Forma Cards and a Tangible Creative Process
- Student Autonomy and Cross Curricular Planning
- Media Specific Art Workshops
