My design process had a lot of troubleshooting, due to this being the first time I have created a piece with a circuit. I would try something and if it didn’t work, I would try again in a different way. When creating the circuit, it was a little bit difficult, because I wanted to make use of a pull switch. There are five lights in the circuit, consisting of red, orange, and yellow. These colors worked out nicely together since the monarch butterfly and flowers are in the same color scheme as the lights. It was also a benefit that they all worked together on the same circuit. There are three different layers of paper in the back of the card. The first layer contains the circuit, the second has the background painting, covers the circuit and has holes for the lights to shine though, and the third has the foreground painting which is illuminated by the lights. On the first layer, I used a battery holder to secure the battery and then taped it to the paper. I then used copper tape to create the circuit, attaching the lights with scotch tape. There was a lot of troubleshooting to get the lights in the correct spots and to get the pull switch to operate, which tucks through the second layer of paper. I had to change the orientation of the copper tape in some places in order to fit the pull switch in, but after a lot of trial and error, it fit! The pull switch was hard, because I had to make sure that it was making a good connection before I could add the next layer of paper on. I ended up doubling up the paper on the bottom of the pull switch and putting layering two pieces of copper tape in order for it to have a strong enough connection. I also put a brace over top of it with tape on either side to make sure it was secure. This project was really exciting to me, because it was the first time I have created a work incorporating technology.

This project connects to my prior knowledge of art and art education because I used some traditional ways of art making with a unique incorporation of technology. It is great for students to be able to feel like they are exploring something new while working on projects, instead of thinking “Oh, another drawing project.” It is always fun to try something new when making creative works, because it keeps the artist interested. It is also important to have open ended projects because it causes students to think in different ways and make connections with each others work at the end.

I will apply what I’ve learned in this project into the classroom by first having the students explore different circuit types as a preparation project. Once they have a basic understanding of circuit making, I will have the students create a three-dimensional work of art with layers, so that they can practice their technological skills along with their drawing or painting skills. Not only will this help them build skills in traditional art making, but it will also keep the students interested and encourage them to work on their problem-solving skills.

Below are the work in progress images: