IEM Drawing Students Study the Terracotta Warriors
Professor Joan Kelly

The students are now in the process of using the activity of drawing practice to train hand coordination with the eye and imagination. The terracotta Warriors are the perfect subject in form for the exercise. While the students are acquiring technical facility we have broader goals for them. At the same time we want the students to be making connections between seemingly disparate events and diverse cultures, and bridging boundaries that produce deeper insights. The depths of historic significance the figures hold, armies of the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang and how this is portrayed through the costume, body gestures, hairstyle and facial expression is studied through this thoughtful practice as a way of knowing and understanding. Lastly we are always thinking of ways to invigorate the classroom.