Memento Assignment Guidelines

me·men·to [muh-men-toh]

noun, plural me·men·tos, me·men·toes.

1. an object or item that serves to remind one of a person, past event, etc.; keepsake; souvenir.

2. anything serving as a reminder or warning.

3. (initial capital letter, italics  ) Roman Catholic Church . either of two prayers in the canon of the Mass, one for persons living and the other for persons dead.

Origin: 

1350–1400; Middle English  < Latin mementō, imperative of meminisse  to remember

Usage note

Memento is sometimes spelled momento, perhaps by association with moment.  The word is actually related to remember.  One of its earliest meanings was “something that serves to warn.” The meaning “souvenir” is a recent development: The stone animal carvings are mementos of our trip to Victoria.

Memento Origins

Mementos can be traced back to the 15th century, but it wasn’t until Queen Victoria reigned in the 16th century that mementos began to evolve.

When her beloved husband Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria was so overcome with grief she spent the rest of her life memorializing him. She wore black clothing, also known as “widow weeds.” She ordered custom designed jewelry made from jet, a black gemstone, to memorialize her Prince Albert. The Queen completed her ensemble by wearing a ‘mourning ring’ as public display of her grief until her passing in 1901. This set a trend for upper society women to do the same. The Victorian Age is replete with relics of the age depicting women in varying stages of mourning by adorning themselves with similar pieces of jewelry and clothing that the queen wore. However, this practice soon diminished after the queen’s death. The wish to remember a loved one lives on. Source link: https://www.oneworldmemorials.com/pages/mementos

ASSIGNMENT:
Make a sculpture that is understood visually as well as by touch. Use no more than three materials to create a sculpture that can be held comfortably/cradled with one hand. The final solution is non-representational.

OBJECTIVE:
Gain an awareness of how materials, processes and the elements and principles of art and design can be used to visually communicate significant meaning. Develop an idea based on personal memory that challenges perceptions of souvenirs and escalates the sensual awareness of touch. 

GET INSPIRED - LOOK, READ, LISTEN:

Artist Inspiration: http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Memento%20Artists

Student Work: http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Memento%20Student%20Work

Listen to a story: http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/2019/06/one-womans-trash-by-kate-greathead.html

Reading Selections : http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Memento%20Reading%20Selections

MATERIALS:

• You choose the material(s) for this assignment and decide on the method of construction. 
• Recommended materials that can serve this assignment well are wood, sculpted clay (bake in oven), air dry clay, porcelain air dry clay, paper that has been sculpture/hardened with gesso, paper that has been stacked with wood glue, paper that has been sculpted/hardened with gel medium, fabric. 
• Be aware of the material(s) you select, methods used to construct and the juxtaposition of the materials. For instance, is it significant for you to weld, stitch, weave or tie any of the materials? The materials you use and method of construction need to reflect your memory. 
• Use no more than three (3) materials.  
• Glue does not count as long as it is not seen. The same applies to other methods of attachment such as nails or staples. 
• Any method of attachment that is visible counts as material. For instance, if you use thread to sew materials together, the thread counts as a material.
• Any material used in various colors, counts as one material for each color.  For example, red paint and blue paint count as two materials.
• You may deconstruct and manipulate materials. For example, you may break a pre-fabricated ceramic object such as a mug or plate and use a piece(s) in your sculpture. Cut up clothing for the fabric. 

NEED TO KNOW:

• DO NOT make a "mini" something. For instance, a miniature tree, house or soccer ball. You are not illustrating the memory with a three-dimensional form. You are analyzing the elements and principles associated with the memory to make an object with content and meaning. 
• The object you make must have the ability to be held comfortably with one hand. Consider how the object relates to the hand. Can it be cradled? Can your hand fold over the object and conceal it? Or does the object need a delicate touch? Perhaps the object gently rests within an open palm. 
• How the body experiences textures is an important aspect of this assignment. Carefully consider how textures are significant. 
• Option - incorporate scent. Keep in mind, the scent will count as a material. 
• Final solution must be sturdy and stable. 
• Final solution will have height, width and depth. 
• Final solution cannot hang or be mounted on the wall. Must exist as a three-dimensional form that can be comfortably held in one hand (two hands okay). 
• When writing artist statement, clearly state the material(s) and why you chose to use.

USE ELEMENT AND PRINCIPLES TO DEVELOP YOUR IDEA:

• Line direction. Is your memory taller than you? Could stacking or a tower like construction communicate height? 
• Or is the memory vast?  Therefore allowing for a horizontal presentation. 
• Is the landscape (if you have one) of your memory closed in? Open with no
• boundaries?
• Color and Texture. You may add color/texture or use materials for their inherent color/texture. Consider how these elements are significant to your memory.
• Shape.  Organic shapes and rectilinear shapes communicate differently.  Will you use only one approach or both?
• Focal Point. To create an area of emphasis. 
• Scale. Everyone is required to make a memento that can be held in one hand. 

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

Step 1: 

Complete Research Packet. The document file is in Canvas, File Section. The packet will help you develop an idea and help me discuss ideas with each student. 

Step 2: 

In class discussion for the chapter, Objects of Desire, from the book On Longing by Susan Stewart. Be prepared to take notes with paper and pen/pencil. I have the book - will share chapter readings in class. Students need to be prepared to listen and take handwritten notes.  Homework -  On Longing assignment. http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/On%20Longing%20Assignment%20Guidelines

Step 3: 

Reflect on info you gathered in Research Packet and the On Longing Assignment. Use this info to develop an idea. 

Step 4: 

Begin work on your sculpture. 

What do I post on my blog?

• Refer to document in File Section in Canvas. The document includes guidelines and checklist. 
• Blog posting for this assignment due during final exam day and time.