The Third Eye ©1998 Alison King Objective: Students will learn that a digital camera can extend the artist's role to both "the watcher" and "the watched" from a unique viewpoint that tells us about the true nature of both the subject and object. Hardware: 3 digital cameras set up at three computer stations. Software: Digital camera software, Hyperstudio or Photoshop Management: Divide the class into three groups. Assign each group to camera station before the lesson begins. Motivational Questions: Ever feel like someone was watching you? (my brother spying on me, God or angels, cameras at department stores, looking in the mirror) Ever wish you could watch yourself? (when I'm with my friends, when I'm on stage) If you had a Third Eye that observed you all day and saw you for who you REALLY are, what would be that eyeball's point of view? (right on my shoulder, way up high, in front of my face) Ask a student to hold and reposition the QuickCam for us so the class can see themselves from various angles as the dialogue continues. Association: If your eyeball looked back at you from very high up, how would your body appear? What if the eyeball was perched on your shoulder? What if it was very low to the ground? Does the camera distort things or does it record faithfully? How can we use these distortions to our advantage? Demonstrate the ways that the camera can make a person look like a giant or a dwarf, facial distortion, etc. Dialogue: How is the digital camera like a third eye? How is it different from a regular camera? What things do you think this camera might see that others can't? How can we change the way the camera records the light and shadow? Demonstrate how to use the lighting and contrast controls, including ways to get abstract effects. Demonstrate how to bring the image into Hyperstudio for manipulation (Apple-A). What ways can we further manipulate the portrait once we've brought it into Hyperstudio/Photoshop? How can we make it appear as if this person is situated inside a setting? What can we add to the portrait to make sure that we see the REAL you? Transition: Who in your group will you count on to help position your Third Eye?

"Alien" © 1998 Kristen F.

Lesson ©1998 Alison King

did you come in through the back door?