Looking at Clouds
The singer Judy Collins sang the words “I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now” and determined that “I really don’t know clouds at all.” Clouds come in all forms of shapes and sizes. They can range from dainty calm cirrus wisps, to the thick dark cumulonimbus thunderstorm clouds. Clouds can also take on an infinite number of shapes from which we can make out the silhouette of everyday objects such as a cat or a bowtie.
We are able to discern these shapes from the clouds with the help of our brain's incredible ability to recognize patterns. In fact, you will use your pattern recognition today to create clouds from cotton balls and stuffing material. Your clouds can form the shape of something recognizable or take a more natural cloud form as seen above.
Step 1: Planning and shaping your clouds
Take your cotton balls or stuffing material and tear it by pulling it apart. The more you tear or stretch a piece, the thinner and more translucent the cloud will be. For a thicker, dense cloud, just pull gently until it becomes slightly fluffier.
Step 2: Arranging the clouds
Take your glue stick and apply the glue to the paper where you want your cloud to float. Then place your cloud onto the blue construction paper, pressing the cotton down firmly. Arrange the clouds however you wish. Think of your paper as an open blue sky. Cotton pieces can also be placed clustered together to create a larger cloud form.
Things to Think About:
Do your clouds make any recognizable shapes? What are they?
Are the clouds peaceful and calm or are they nearing a possible storm?
How might your clouds reflect how you are feeling at the moment?