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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Figurative Sculptures Assignment Guidelines

Assignment:
Produce two small-scale, figurative, bust sculptures that use the elements and principles to visually communicate a social commentary. Incorporate color and a innovative base for each sculpture. 

A bust depicts the upper part of the human figure; head, neck, shoulders, upper chest. For this assignment, students will be influenced by the concept of bust sculpture and reference head, neck and shoulders (upper chest optional). Create a base for each sculpture that unites with the formal and conceptual qualities of the figurative sculpture. 

Social commentary is an element of a narrative that critiques a societal issue. 


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. Consider how scale, texture, shape, line, color, repetition, pattern and focal point can visually communicate an idea. 


Before you begin, review the following information:

Figurative Bust Sculpture History

Figurative Bust Sculpture Research

Figurative Bust Sculpture Artists

Figurative Bust Sculpture Student Work


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). Foam board is also an option but should not appear as foam board - you will need to cover in another material. 
  • Surface treatments. Choices for color include ink or brush on pastel dust. Watercolor and nail polish also give great results. Acrylic paint does not always translate well on the air dry clay. If interested in using acrylic paint, speak with me and I can guide you. 


Guidelines:
  • Each student producing two sculptures. Each sculpture consists of two parts., a clay figurative bust and a base. 
  • The sculptures must engage viewer from all sides - front, side, back. To achieve this, work on a banding wheel so you can see your sculpture from all sides as you are building. 
  • Each figurative bust air-dry clay sculpture should be between 3 and 6 inches in height. Note: A dollar bill is 6 inches in length. 
  • Each figurative bust will be placed on a base that you design and construct from wood or foam board. 
  • Each sculpture will visually comment on a social issue. 
    • The social issue can be the same for each sculpture with each sculpture depicting a different opinion. 
    • OR each sculpture visually communicates a different social issue. 
  • Your final solution does not have to visually communicate a realistic depiction of the human head/neck/shoulders. Additionally, your idea may call for you to "cover" or "distort" human features or replace the "head" with an object or animal figure. 
  • Carefully consider how you can incorporate props with the figurative bust to visually communicate your perspective. What do certain objects symbolize and/or how can objects be arranged/combined to visually communicate an idea. Develop ideas utilizing concepts of color, value, line, texture, pattern, space, balance, scale and focal point. 
  • Consider how you can use facial features to visually communicate an idea.
  • Consider orientation of the bust. What happens when you place "upside down" or at an angle? 
  • Must incorporate color into the clay figures and/or base. Additional materials/objects an option. 
    • All ideas about color and additional objects will be discussed during group or individual in-process critiques. This is necessary because these elements should enhance the content and meaning, not simply be added for decoration. 
Step 1
Look over the blog checklist for this assignment so you have an idea of what information you need. Checklist can be found in File Section of Canvas. 

Step 2
Compile a list of social issues that you wish to comment on. A social issue is a problem that reduces the quality of life of people. This includes current problems and risks that represent a probability of future problems. 

Go to the link below and select two (2) social issues. Make sure you scroll through the website to see the many categories. Come to class with a print out of information or an image for each social issue. DO NOT share/show me info on your phone or computer. 



Step 3
Come to class prepared to share the two topics you selected. As a group we will brainstorm ideas. Decide to on what social issue you will portray in your sculptures. You can have the two sculptures represent one issue, or each sculpture can represent a different social issue. On this day I will also introduce a basic exercise for the clay as a "warm up" (to be completed in class). 

Step 4
Once you have decided on a social issue(s), begin to collect visual and written research. Use this information to develop your idea and post research on your blog. Research includes at least two different sources. Follow the blog checklist for when posting research on your blog. The blog post due at end of semester with completed blog. However, I recommend posting your research while working on this assignment while you have links/info readily available. 

Step 5
Begin using the air dry clay to sculpt ideas. See process images below for basic approach. Sketching beforehand is optional. 


Step 6
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. You may apply color to the base. Again, discuss ideas for bases in group or individual critiques. 

Step 7
When air-dry clay pieces are dry, apply color. Use ink and crushed pastel. You may add acrylic paint to the ink if needed. Do not use straight up acrylic paint. You may incorporate additional objects/materials if these elements enhance the content and meaning, not simply added for decoration. 


What do I post on my blog? 
  • Refer to document in File Section in Canvas. 
  • Blog posting for this assignment due during final exam day and time. 







Above images from Alisa Burke


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