Experimental Sculpture Collection Assignment Guidelines

Assignment:

Create a collection of three non-representational sculptures that visually communicate ideas about shape, line, color, space, pattern/repetition and texture. Strive for innovative ways to use the materials to visually provoke curiosity.

am·big·u·ous| amˈbiɡyəwəs | 

adjective(of language) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning: 

Objective:

Explore how materials can be manipulated to achieve innovative results while utilizing the elements and principles of design.

Artist Inspiration:

The artists I collected for inspiration are not necessarily using the same materials as required for this project. However, their use of materials, formal use of elements and principles and/or concept of form can most certainly provide inspiration. Go to right column and select category "Experimental Sculpture Collection Artist Inspiration". If on your phone and do not see right column, scroll to bottom and click on "web version". You can also go to link below.

https://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Experimental%20Sculpture%20Collection%20Artists

Ideas for how to use materials:

https://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Experimental%20Sculpture%20Collection%20Ideas

Student Work:

Over the semesters I have changed up guidelines. However, all student work I have collected can inspire and demonstrate this assignment.

https://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Experimental%20Sculpture%20Collection%20Student%20Examples

Materials

At least three (3) materials need to appear on each sculpture and used with innovation. Therefore, glueing two pieces of a material is not an innovative use of glue. Select from list below:

• Gel Medium
• In the kit you purchased from Reddi Arts. Use brushes and water to apply - brushes in the kit.
• Mask Tape
• Use as a material for it to count as a material. This means the tape is not used solely to "attach". Tape in the kit you purchased from Reddi Arts.
• String and/or Thread. No yarn. 
• Available in the studio.
• Tracing Paper
• Available in the studio.
• White/cream paper.
• A half sheet was included with the kit you purchased. 
• Can also use paper pulp made with copy paper. See me for copy paper. 
• Wood (Balsa or other)
• Balsa wood purchased with kit. 
• Scrap wood available in wood shop.
• Wire
• Available in the studio.
• Must wear safety glasses when working with wire. 
• Hot Glue
• Available in the studio.
• Clear Packing Tape
• Available in the studio. 
• Elmers Yellow Wood Glue 
• Available in the studio

• Color
• No more than two colors per sculpture. 
• Can be the same color(s) for all three sculptures.
• Black, white or gray counts as a color. 
• Use ink or thread to visually convey color. 
• Black and colored Winsor and Newton Ink available in the studio.
• White ink in your kit from Reddi Arts. 
• See me for thread. 

• Materials needed for construction:

• Utility Knife (Reddi-Arts kit)
• Exacto Knife (Reddi-Arts kit)
• Pencil
• Ruler (available in the studio)
• Cut Matt (available in the studio)
• Brushes (Reddi-Arts kit and available in the studio next to sink)

Details:

• Do not create representational forms.
• Use materials with innovation. See list below for ideas.
• Each sculpture needs to measure at least 8-inches in one direction.
• All three sculptures will have height, width and depth and be free-standing. 
• Remember to take in process pictures as you are working. 
• For each sculpture:
• Carefully consider how color can enhance the formal and conceptual aspects of the sculpture. 
• Consider how color works with the materials you selected. 
• Consider how color looks from all angles. 
• Monochromatic color or a gray scale also an option. 

• Sculpture #1
• Create a tactile pattern and/or repetition that will dominate the form. 

• Sculpture #2
• Create a focal point.

• Sculpture #3 
• Create negative space. 

Some ideas on how to use materials with innovation:

• Twist
• Shred
• Fold
• Roll
• Weave
• Wrap
• Layer/stack
• Braid
• Pierce
• Paper Mache
• Dilute gel medium or Elmers wood glue with water. Use tracing paper, copy paper or craft paper from roll in studio. Newspaper also an option. 
• Stitch. 
• Ask me for needle and thread. Or you can create "rope" from paper or masking tape and use this as thread.  
• Paper Pulp 
• Soak paper in water to create a pulp. You can add ink to the paper pulp for color and/or glue to make a paste. 
• Paper Molds
• Form wet paper over an object. Do not add glue as this will attach paper to the object. Once paper is dry, will take on shape of object. To remove, cut paper off of object. 
• Roll Tape Mask Tape
• Stick rolled shapes together to form another shape.
• Hot Glue
• Use hot glue to cover a form or make individual forms that are applied/sewn to a larger form. 
• Elmers Yellow Wood Glue
•  Create shapes on a flat, plastic surface. Once dry, the glue will form a "plastic". Small, individual shapes can be applied (sewn, glued) to a larger form. Or one larger form can be created an added to the another form. 
• Interior Space
• Cut "windows" so viewer can see inside a form. Consider what will be "inside". 
• Ribs
• Use wire to create a skeleton. Drape with trace paper that has been soaked with a water and gel medium mixture (paper mache). 

Steps to Follow:

Step 1:

• Select at least three artworks for inspiration from the artists listed on the blog. See link above for "Sculpture Collection Artist Inspiration".

Step 2:

• Begin by exploring materials, making three-dimensional sketches.
• Do not sketch on paper. 
• Your 3D sketches may be incorporated into a final sculpture. 

Step 3:

• Allow the experiments to fuel ideas for the final sculptures. 

What do I post on my blog?

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