Odine Lang, Artist

https://uponafold.com/2011/08/09/odine-lang/

http://www.odinelang.de/

Woodlucker

https://mymodernmet.com/nature-sculpture-woodlucker/

https://www.woodlucker.com/

Student Work

Nature Sculpture Assignment Guidelines

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. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpyNorcATXy/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1r5th4tbyzcip

Video - Viking Knit Chain Techniques

Advanced wire techniques. 

Can adapt/apply some of these techniques toward organic forms. 

Paper Architecture Assignment Guidelines

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.

Three-Dimensional Shapes Vocabulary

Basic Polyhedrons

-Straight Edges

-Flat Sides Called Faces

-Corners, Called Vertices

Source

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/num/3d-shapes.html

Diameter is the measurement across the circle. 

Circumference is the measurement around the circle. 

Radius is the measurement from center to edge of circle. 

100 Objects Assignment Guidelines

Assignment Guidelines
Create three installations using 100 objects. Use the same 100 objects for each installation. Each installation is a different location. Choose an object from list below. Several in-process and final solutions photos needed for each installation. See details below, "What to put on your blog" before you begin. Several class meetings, where each student presents their progress, are scheduled so we can discuss and offer feedback. 

Important - Final solution in the form of photographs. Images must be presented in person on the due date for work to be considered turned in on time. Those who do not present images in person will receive a late grade for the work. 

Objective
Explore various types of spaces to gain an understanding of how we interact with and experience space. 

Analyze the elements and principles as well as content and meaning present in a space and selected objects to create an innovative solution of merging the two. 

Student Examples

See right column for "100 Objects Student Work". If viewing this blog on your phone and right column not visible, scroll to bottom and click "web version". 

Inspiration

See right column for "100 Objects Artists".  If viewing this blog on your phone and right column not visible, scroll to bottom and click "web version".

Consider the qualities of the chosen object. 

• Is there a hook or hole allowing the ability to hang or tie the object to a structure. Any material used for hanging/tying must be all the same. I suggest saving this option for the last installation so you don't have to untie/unstring objects in a timely manner to complete additional installations.
• Can the object be inserted in the earth? 
• Can you stack the objects? 
• Can the objects attach to each other? 
• Can the objects attach to a surface/structure by means of tape? Tape cannot be visible. Blue painters tape wont leave a mark and can hold lightweight items. 

Explore various environments for installation. 

• Spend time observing the environment. Consider interior spaces as well as exterior. 
• Experience space in different ways - what types of "space" do you see when lying on the floor in your home? Looking up? 
• Take walks around downtown St. Augustine and observe the many unique spaces present in the landscape/architecture. Observe below eye level for spaces one may normally not notice. 
• Consider spaces in your yard or at locations such as beach, park. 
• An enclosed/small interior - cupboard, drawer, refrigerator. You will need to remove existing items from the interior, allowing the 100 objects to respond/unite with the spatial qualities.
• Interior space such as a corner, windowsill, doorway. 
• Consider how the shapes, lines, textures of objects and the chosen space can create a dynamic, meaningful design. Strive for innovation. 
• Are the objects large enough to cover an area? 
• Are you able to "string" the objects for hanging? 
• Can the objects attach to one another or a structure? 
• Can the objects be folded, compacted? 

Document the work with photos:

• Each installation will require a set of images to best communicate the idea. Take several, more than you think you need, images of each installation. Begin with an image from a distance, followed with images that document you approaching the installation site. Take images from various angles and details (close-up). 
• Make sure photos are good quality. Check photos for quality before you dismantle installation and move to the next. 
• Bring all photos to class for class discussion. Several class sessions are reserved for students to show images. Keep in mind, you will have to do several installations before you arrive at three that are successful. The class discussions will help guide you/provide ideas for the development of each installation. 
• During class discussions we will decide on the appropriate number of photos for each installation. Keep in mind, some installations may need only one photo, others may need five. 
• The final solution for this assignment is documentation of each installation in the form of images posted on your blog. 

OBJECT IDEAS
See list below for ideas. Feel free to discuss object ideas with me before you purchase/collect. Please recycle materials after project complete. Recycling includes putting items in recycle bin, disperse usable objects to friends/family for continued use, save craft like items for future projects or return items to nature.

• Food items. Walk the aisles of the grocery store for ideas. Bread, pasta, seeds, nuts, individually wrapped candy, tea bags, sugar packets.
• Non-food items at grocery store. A few ideas include toothpicks, wood skewer sticks for BBQ, plastic spoons/forks/knives (do not mix), small paper or plastic cups (all the same), clothespins, straws (all the same)
• Hardware items. Walk the nuts and bolts aisle of hardware store. Nails, screws, washers and many other interesting hardware items. 
• Small Rocks/Pebbles (all the same, can collect from nature or buy bags at hardware store)
• Sticks from Nature (all the same length, between 6 inches and 10 inches)
• Coins (all the same)
• Binder Clips (all the same size and color)
• Rubber Bands (all the same size)
• Plastic Grocery Bags (all the same)
• Dominoes
• Jingle Bells (sold in packages at craft stores)
• Pom Poms (all the same color, sold in packages at craft stores)
• Pens/Pencils/Markers (must all be the same, do not mix)
• Small Mirrors (can purchase from craft stores)

DO NOT USE THESE OBJECTS:

• Buttons
• Beads
• Crayons
• Paper Clips
• Cotton Swabs/Q-Tips
• Cupcake Liners
• Canned Drink Tabs
• Pipe Cleaners
• Marbles
• Toilet Paper Rolls
• Pasta/beans
• Coffee Filters
• Popsicle Sticks

WHAT TO POST ON YOUR BLOG:

• A total of three photos in one post. 
• Select one photo for each installation. 
• Label each photo. For example, "100 lightbulbs installed in an oven."
• Label the post "100 Objects". 
• Note - Depending on your idea, your installation may need more than one photo. If this is the case, it will be discussed during class when you present your idea. Go to "100 Objects Student Work" in the right index column to see examples of multiple photos for a location. 
• Optional - Keep images of all your attempts (work in progress). If you decide to keep these images, please make sure the images are in a separate post labeled "100 Objects In Progress". 

Cas Holman, Designer

Geemo

https://casholman.com/projects#/geemo/

Rigamig

https://casholman.com/projects#/rigamajig/

More projects on designer's website:

https://casholman.com/projects

Listen to Cas discuss the work.