An important figure in the Parisian avant-garde, Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979) brought extraordinary inventiveness to a range of works, which celebrated the modern age in all its guises. Over a 60-year period she created groundbreaking paintings, textiles and clothes, as well as collaborating with poets, choreographers and manufacturers.
The 1920s sketches are all that survive of these garments, for which she drew on the work of avant-garde poets such as Tristan Tzara, Vicente Huidobro, and Joseph Delteil to create ‘poems in motion’. These elegant dress designs feature her characteristically bold, graphic shapes – zig-zags, diamonds, circles, and lines – incorporated with painted words. The lettering is read across sleeves, waistlines, hems, and other seams and structural features of the garments, drawing the whole of the female body into an intensely visual and mobile expression of simultaneity.
Above image and text source:
Centre for Material Texts, Lucy Razzall
Allender designed the "Jailed for Freedom" pin, which was bestowed on women who were jailed beginning July 1917 for their campaigning and picketing activities. It was named Amelia Himes Walker's "Jailed for Freedom" pin in acknowledge the two-month period when the woman's rights activist was imprisoned in the Occoquan Workhouse and the incarceration and abuse that had been suffered by other suffragettes.
Assignment
Design and construct forms inspired by nature. Sculptures will represent innovative, hybrid ideas. Do not create a replica of one particular object.
Examples
Search right column for "Nature Sculpture Student Examples".
Search right column for "Nature Sculpture Artists".
If you are viewing on your phone and right column does not appear, scroll to bottom and click "web version".
Objective
Freedom to explore a wide range of options for creative problem solving. Develop knowledge of spatial relationships and stable structures. Consider how design elements and principles can be used to visually communicate content and meaning.
Research
At least five (5) objects from nature. Go outside and observe. More than five pieces of nature okay. Do not simply collect leaves. Look for items that have height, width and depth. Look for interesting shapes/forms.
At least two (2) botanical illustrations. Search online. Print out, bring to class.
At least two (2) photographs of exotic flora. Search online. Print out, bring to class.
Materials. A few items available in the studio. All other materials in the kit from Reddi-Arts.
White Paper (can use scraps left over from Paper Architecture assignment and/or white copy paper)
Mask Tape
String. A yard of string provided for each student on the second day of class.
Black Ink
White Ink
Tracing Paper
Wire
Wire Cutters
Gel Medium
Brushes
Cup for water. Available in the studio. Due to Covid-19 each student should write name on cup and keep with their art supplies.
Protective Eyewear (for when working with wire). Provided for each student on the second day of class. Due to Covid-19, each student will have their own eyewear. Use a sharpie to write your name on your eyewear. Protective eyewear needed if you wear glasses.
Guidelines
Sculptures will represent innovative, hybrid ideas.
All sculptures will address ideas about organic line and shape.
Do not create a replica of one particular nature object.
Do not create representational forms such as flowers, trees, insects. However, you can apply the lines and shapes inherent in these objects to your idea.
Gather research before you begin. Sketches are optional.
Consider how texture, shape, line, value, focal point, pattern, repetition contribute to the formal and subjective qualities of each sculpture.
Create six (6) sculptures with height, width and depth.
The sculptures must have at least one measurement (height, width or depth) of at least 6". Sculptures can be larger than 6".
Sculptures can be free-standing or hang on the wall. Do not hang in space/from ceiling - no "mobiles"
Three sculptures will emphasizes an element or principle of art and design. Choose three terms from the list below. Each sculpture needs to emphasize one term. The remaining three sculptures are open - continue to explore an idea you discovered in a previous sculpture or investigate new ideas. See link below for a review of elements and principles in three-dimension. http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Elements%20and%20Principles%20Visual%20Examples
Focal Point
Texture
Scale (contrast between large and small within one sculpture)
Repetition
Pattern
Space (create an interior space)
Symmetry
Rhythm
Value
All six sculptures must demonstrate use of all materials. I need to look at all seven sculptures and check off the use of all the materials listed above. You have many options here. For example, one sculpture can utilize one material while another can utilize this same material with an additional two materials.
When all sculptures complete, photograph and write an artist statement. Details for photos and statement below, "What to put on your blog."
Ideas for materials
Twist paper and tape to make a rope-like form.
Use string to wrap or bound up to create a sphere.
Weave the tape, paper and/or string.
Create knots.
Stack paper and/or tape.
Create fringe with paper, string or tape.
Allow string to soak up ink.
Create a paper mold. Use white copy paper because it is thin. Soak paper and drape/mold over a form, remove when dry. See examples in student work (right column category, "Nature Sculpture Student Work").
What to put on your blog:
The objects you collect from nature. Arrange objects neatly on a clean, simple background such as a black or white cloth. Photograph from above (aerial view).
Botanical Illustration inspiration images. Include source link.
Images of exotic flora. Include source link.
Sketches (optional)
Required - At least one in-process image (can be for any sculpture). If possible, post one in-process image for each sculpture. Label each in-process image with the appropriate sculpture number or title. You can number the sculptures or give each a title.
Select at least two sculptures to photograph alone. Make sure you take at least three views of each sculpture. Photograph free-standing sculptures with a white or black background. Label each sculpture with a number or title. Make sure this number/title corresponds with the in-process image.
A professional image of all sculptures grouped together - or small groupings of the sculptures.
An artist statement. Take time to reflect on the research you gathered, how the research influenced your decisions and discuss the overall meaning you assign to the final solutions. Writing should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Use capitalization. Writing should be efficient - do not ramble. Do not submit the first statement you write. Take time to review and edit your writing at least twice before submitting.
Video - Wire Tutorial
The first half of the video demonstrates a square.
Your assignment requires organic forms.
However, you can still pick up tips from making a square.
At 4:01 an organic form is demonstrated.
Video - Wire Tutorial
Tips on wire building. The video uses short pieces of wire to demo.
While organic forms can be built with short pieces of wire,
longer pieces are more suitable to achieve organic forms.
Image Example - Apply Gel Medium Paper to Wire Form
Working with wire, gel medium and trace paper.
Always wear protective eyewear when working with wire.
Coat front and back of tracing paper with gel medium, place over wire form.
Once dry the paper will adhere to the wire form.
Above images from Leslie Pearson.
You can see her work and read an interview with her in the link below.
Assignment
Construct 35 three-dimensional shapes. Assemble all shapes to create a final solution inspired by architectural concepts.
Objective
An introductory exercise to three-dimension. Transform a plane to create shapes with height, width and depth. Explore the spatial relationship of shapes through assembling. Consider how the shapes and spatial relationships can visually communicate spatial ideas and provide structure stability. Practice measuring skills.
Materials
Rives White BFK Paper, 22" x 30", 5 sheets. Save all scraps for possible use in future assignments.
Cut matt. Please do not cut on the studio tables or counter.
Exacto knife and extra blades
Ruler
Pencil
Bone Folder
Rubber Cement
A ball point pen can be helpful for scoring the paper.
Inspiration
"Paper Architecture Artists" category, see right column. If viewing this blog on your phone and right category column does not appear, go to bottom of page and select "web version".
Student Examples
"Paper Architecture Student Work" category, see right column. If viewing this blog on your phone and right category column does not appear, go to bottom of page and select "web version".
Step 1
Construct shapes.
Refer to below list regarding the number and types of shapes required.
Connector shapes are the only shapes that have open ends. All other shapes must be enclosed.
Videos are also included to assist with basic construction methods.
Do not use Origami folding methods.
No need to plan out final solution when constructing individual shapes. Once all individual shapes complete, respond with design decisions.
Due to Covid-19, you will need a box or large, sturdy shopping bag to transport shapes back and forth to class.
Remember to take in-process images. At least one in-process image required.
Step 2
Photograph each category of shapes.
Arrange each category of shapes on a clean background.
Photograph from above (aerial view). When viewing the images, I should be able to clearly see all shapes.
Step 3
Bring all shapes on scheduled day for photographing. This date announced in class.
Before you begin assembling, make sure I check off how many shapes you have.
Step 4
Once checklist complete, begin to assemble your shapes.
Once you decide where "connectors" will be used, create a "negative" space (hole) to "connect" shapes. Use Exacto knife to make a small "x" in the surface area where the connecter will enter the shape.
Make sure you continually move around the sculpture as you assemble.
Consider the relationship of shapes/space created from all angles.
Observe relationships of negative and positive space.
Strive for visual innovation as well as visual balance.
Consider creating an area with more detail that stands out among minimal relationships (focal point). Or create smaller areas of detail, carefully placed across the the entire sculpture.
Strive for an innovative final solution.
Must use all shapes.
Do not glue shapes to one another. This project is to be thought of as portable - think building blocks.
Step 5
Once shapes are assembled, you can can photograph.
You will need a black background. I have black cloth and foam board in the studio for students.
Several people needed to photograph a final solution. Therefore, we will all work together to achieve successful photographs.
Need a total of five photos (make sure you take more than five). Three different angles and two details (close up of areas that are the most interesting/innovative).
Step 6
After photographing, place all shapes in a bag.
Make sure name on bag.
I will spend time evaluating the construction of shapes and return to student after grading complete.
Number and Types of Shapes Required
Keep scrolling to see visual examples and how-to videos.
Category 1
Connectors
Total of Sixteen (16) Shapes.
Eight (8) cylinders and eight (8) beams. Between 4" and 10" in length. Connecters should be somewhat thin - no wider than 1/2" in diameter. Connecters will have "open" ends.
Cylinders - Circular/round (8).
Beams - Not circular/rounded, have edges and planes (8).
Category 2
Main Shapes
Total of ten (10). One of each shape listed below. Two (2) of each. The shortest length/diameter is 2". No larger than 6".
Cube (2) (different sizes)
Right Pyramid (2) (different sizes)
Disc (2) (different sizes)
Cylinder (2) (no open ends) (essentially a "tall" disc) (different sizes)
Cone (1)
Rectangle (1)
Category 3
Shapes With A Recessed Area
Total of two (2). One of each shape listed below.
One (1) each. The shortest length is 4". No larger than 6". Recessed area at least 1" x 1". A recessed area is a negative space constructed into the shape. See "Paper Architecture Student Examples" in the right column categories for an example of a recessed area.
Cube With Recessed Area (1)
Rectangle With Recessed Area (1)
Category 4
Supporting Shapes
Total of seven (7).
Think innovate for all these shapes - do not produce basic shapes as you did in previous categories.
Use a variation of a basic shape. Or you can invent your own shapes and/or search online for complex templates.
All shapes must be enclosed. No openings.
Creating additional shapes with recessed areas is considered innovative.
No shape should be smaller than 1.5 inches.
The right column category "Paper Architecture Artists" offers visuals for a few innovative shapes. Many templates available online. The search "paper shape templates" is a good start.
Post the following information on your blog:
An image for each category of shapes (Connectors, Main Shapes, Recessed Shapes, Supporting Shapes). Refer to "Step 2" regarding the format for the photographs.
Five (5) professional images of final solution against a black background. Three different angles and two details (close up of areas that are the most interesting/innovative).
At least one in-process image.
Beam
Has 4 sides.
This video shows "tabs". Your beams do not need "tabs" so ignore this portion of video.
Cube
Rectangle
Pyramid
How to make a paper cylinder with closed ends.
Adapt this concept to make a disc shape.
Disc
Use paper tabs to attach top and bottom circles to side wall.
