Assignment:
Produce two small-scale, figurative, bust sculptures that use the elements and principles to visually communicate a social commentary.
Objective:
Explore the histories associated with figurative bust sculpture. Practice research in developing an idea that exists beyond one's immediate knowledge. Practice analyzing the elements and principles that can be used to visually communicate such ideas.
Artist Inspiration:
Search right column for "Figurative Sculpture Artists". If you are viewing this blog on your phone and do not see a right column of categories, scroll to bottom of page and click on "web version".
Materials:
- Amaco Air Dry Clay (figurative work)
- Various clay tools (available in the studio and/or you can use non-traditional items for tools - such as toothpicks, butter knife, an old plastic card (gift card/credit card), sponge, toothbrush (for clay only).
- Wood (base) (use scraps from wood shop)
- Surface treatments - can be paint, wax, ink, watercolor, nail polish. Each student will select the medium that best supports their individual ideas.
Guidelines:
- Each air-dry clay sculpture should be between 4 and 6 inches in height.
- Each sculpture will visually comment on a social issue.
- May use the same social issue for both sculptures, but each sculpture needs to be a different approach.
Step 1
Complete Research Packet
Step 2
Bring completed Research Packet to class for discussion.
Step 3
Begin using the air dry clay to sculpt ideas. See process images below for basic approach.
Step 4
Once figurative sculptures are complete, set aside to dry. Begin to explore the scrap wood in wood shop. Decide on a base for each sculpture. Consider the height and width of the wood. You may change the shape of the wood by sanding or impose marks with Dremel tool or drill press.
Step 5
When air-dry clay pieces are dry, apply a surface treatment. You may also apply a treatment to the wood. The air-dry clay piece does not have to be attached to the wood base.
Post the following information on your blog:
- At least one in-process.
- Professional images of final solution. One (1) image of both sculptures together. Three (3) images of each sculpture from three (3) different angles (front, back, side).
- Statement.
- Optional - sketches.
Above images from Alisa Burke