Activities
Bear by Davidee Showmik
- What kind of
creature is this? Besides the title, what characteristics of this
sculpture tell you it is a bear? (Claws on feet, pose - not many
wild animals stand upright, stocky shape.)
- Unlike many other wild animals, bears can stand and even walk short distances on their hind legs. Just like you might stand on your tiptoes to get a better view, bears stand on their hind legs in order to see, hear, or smell things off in the distance.
-What other “human” characteristics has the artist included in this bear? (Grin, position of front paws, shape of eyes, sense of personality)- People who study bears say that each one has a unique “personality.” Describe this bear’s pose, facial expression and body language.
-What kind of personality do you think this bear has? (Is it fierce or playful? Shy or bold?) Would you like to be this bear’s friend?- This bear sculpture was made by an Inuit artist from the Northwest Territories.
-What kind of bear lives in this area? (Polar bear)
-What colour are polar bears? (They have white fur, but their skin is black to retain heat in a cold climate.)
-Why do you think this one is black? (Maybe it lost all its fur. That would explain its sheepish grin!)- Think of an imaginary situation in which you’d find this bear. It could take place in the wild or anywhere you like. What has just happened? What will happen next? Who are the other characters in the story?
-Make a comic strip depicting your story using this bear as your main character. Don’t forget to give him or her a name! - Unlike many other wild animals, bears can stand and even walk short distances on their hind legs. Just like you might stand on your tiptoes to get a better view, bears stand on their hind legs in order to see, hear, or smell things off in the distance.
Looking At: Bears in Art – BEARS – Whyte Museum – Contact Us