Dripping Faucet Art

Hey there, young Artist! Today, a super cool art and science adventure awaits you! Get ready to discover the fantastic world of water. You'll use your imagination to reveal the mesmerizing patterns droplets create. If you need assistance, invite a family member or friend to join you. It makes things more fun, and you can share the joy of discovery! Now, get set to dive in!

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • Nature Journal, and pencils
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • A faucet in your home
  • Container or a bowl
  • Tactile materials (like clay, fabric, or textured paper)
  • Optional: phone with a recording app 
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist

Instructions:

Step 1. Set Up the Dripping Faucet:
  • Place your container under a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom. 
  • Turn on the faucet just a little so it drips into the container. 
  • If you have an assistant, let them help you set up and get started.


Step 2. Start Exploring:
Explore the water droplets by gently placing your fingers under the faucet. Feel the rhythm of the drops. You can also set a hand on the container to feel the vibrations. 


Step 3. Record the Drips (optional):
  • If you have a phone with a recording app, you can use the recording app to capture the sound of the dripping water.
  • Let your assistant do the recording. That way, you can focus on the sensations you feel as the water drips on your hands. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, focus on the vibrations and sensations you feel.


Step 4. Create Tactile Water Shapes:
  • Now, it's time to create art! Get your tactile materials ready, like clay, fabric, or textured paper.
  • As the water drips into the container, pay attention to the feeling it creates when it hits your hand or the container's surface. Try to imagine what these shapes might look like.
  • Mold or arrange your tactile materials to represent the shapes you feel or imagine. 


Step 5. Explore the Rhythms:
  • Continue to feel the dripping water. Does the rhythm change? How does it make you feel?
  • ​ If you recorded the sound, play it back and notice how the rhythms match the shapes you created.


Step 6. Create a Record:
Document your observations and record your findings in your Nature Journal or braille slate. This way, you can easily refer back to them whenever you want.


Step 7. Collaborative Discoveries: 
If you collaborated with an observation partner, share and discuss your findings. Document this information in your Nature Journal or braille slate, including any sensory observations made throughout the exploration.​


Step 8. Questions
Write the answers to the following questions in your Nature Journal or braille slate.
​
  1. How did the water dripping's shapes, patterns, or vibrations inspire your art?
  2. Did you come up with any new ideas inspired by the water rhythms?​ If so, what?
  3. How did you feel when you heard or felt the water dripping? Did it calm you down or wake you up?
  4. Can you describe the sound of the dripping faucet and how it changed over time?
  5. ​Did this activity change your thoughts about everyday water sources and how you could use them creatively in art?


Step 9. Share Your Art and Discoveries:
Show your awesome tactile artwork and play your recordings to your family, friends, and others important​ to you! Let them see how cool and imaginative your creative style is!​


​Conclusion:
This activity can help you discover the beauty of everyday moments through touch and imagination, turning them into fantastic art. Have a splashing good time, young Artist!

Image credit: Photograph by Phichat Phruksarojanakun