5.2 The Value of Scanography!

Image: https://www.wix.com/blog/2013/04/scanner-art-diy/

Accessible

Straightforward

Unexpected

These three words encapsulate the art of Scanography.  Not only is a scanner extremely user friendly in this day and age, but it is also easy to come by.  The majority of households and schools are equipped with printers: and these printers typically have scanning abilities.  This somewhat neglected technology unexpectedly provides teachers with a great opportunity to incorporate easy to use technology into the art studio.  Whether a teacher has one scanner or access to multiple scanners is irrelevant.  As we experienced last week in class, group exploration made Scanography all the more fun and enjoyable.

Another appealing aspect of Scanography is that it doesn't require any expensive materials (other than the scanner itself 😀).  I experimented with my own scanner to produce an entire photo book using only my hands as the subject matter and material (See my last blog post to check out my photo book!).  Found materials and recycled scraps from the art studio could also provide ample materials for experimentation.

The scanner is nothing more than a blank canvas.  It is such an unexpected vehicle for the creation of art that it practically begs for outside-the-box thinking and creative experimentation.  Young learners all the way to TC students can find value in Scanography.

AND... the ability to scan, rearrange, and scan again allows students to document their process along the way.  There isn't that stress of permanency that comes with the act of physical mark making.  This makes Scanography a great lesson option for students newer to fine art.  The ability to play and easily change things allows children to get out of their heads and become more confident in their artistic decisions.