Friday, November 20, 2009

Miniature Circus due 12/18


Circus from ch ga on Vimeo.
 
Stills of Alexander Calder's Circus

Together the class will make a miniature working circus. Students will work in pairs to make miniature circus acts. You will perform your act on critique day. You may use any materials that you think are appropriate for your idea. We will set up on a table in front of the black wall, so scale your pieces accordingly (3' x 3' x 3' max). Describe your act in the comments section, and make sure not to do something someone has already signed up for.

Think about music! You can make your own music, bring a song on an mp3 player, or check out the circus songs playlist you can play on lala.com. You can play any of these from the teacher's laptop during your critique. http://www.lala.com/#artist/Sounds_of_the_Circus_South_Shore_Concert_Band The class account info is: login nwssculpture9@gmail.com password: circus

Important dates
11/20 Pairs brainstorm ideas
Homework to do over Thanksgiving break: pairs divide up tasks, make sketches
12/4  Come to class prepared to work, with all sketches & materials for your projects
12/11 Continue building projects and rehearsing in class
12/18 Final critique on the project

These artists have been inspired by the circus:
Alexander Calder




Cloud Seeding Circus of the Performative Object
A group of sculptors made a touring circus project
http://christygast.info/section/29213.html

Pairs!
Polina & Sandra & Jasmin
Ariel & Gabriela
Sam Rosner & Pierre
Erick & Zaschary
Bianca & Jovany
Alejandra & Karla
Kayla & Sarah F.
Gail & Katrina
Summer & Oddysea
Imani & Logan
Lauren & Wesley
Jamaal & Sara Y.
Sam F. & Tamara
Yoriana & Sydney
Andrea & Briana






Friday, November 6, 2009

Soft Sculpture Due Nov. 20

Like Claes Oldenberg, you will create a soft version of an everyday object that is normally hard. Choose an object that has interesting contours, no cell phones or iPods.

Homework for next week 11/13:
1. Collect materials you will use and bring them to class. You will need fabric (any kind, thick or thin, old or new), stuffing (old pillow, packing peanuts, crumpled newspaper, shredded paper), needles and thread.
2. Detailed drawings of the object you will create. Study and draw all sides of the object. Think about the planes and contours that make up the form.

Project requirements:
Minimum size 3'x3'x3'
No glue
Design and construction well-planned

Considerations
Scale: Blown up, shrunk, or 1:1
Choice of materials
Surface details(you can finish the sculpture however you want, by adding things to the surface, painting, it's up to you)

Claes Oldenburg pictures for inspiration








Friday, October 23, 2009

Alter Ego Mask Due Nov. 6


Think of an aspect of your personality that the world doesn't normally see. Your challenge is to create a mask (think of it as a sculpture for your head) that represents that concept without illustrating it. This “mask” shouldn't look like anything you've seen before; approach the project in any way that makes sense to you. The materials are up to you. Let the forms, lines, colors and materials you use speak about your concept. You will wear the mask during critique on November 6.

Requirements
• The mask must obscure most, if not all of your face. 
NO STORE-BOUGHT MASKS. This is not a Halloween mask.
• Some element of the mask should extend at least 12 inches from your head.
• Think about how you will wear it and don’t be afraid to get your shoulders and upper body involved as part of the mask, or as a way to wear it.
• You will be graded on your effort as well as your creativity, thoughtfulness, technique, and skill in making the mask.

You will have two weeks to work on the project, use your time wisely. There is no class on October 30, so you will do this project at home.


Pencil Mask by Rebecca Horn
http://www.mediaartnet.org/works/bleistiftmaske/


Native Alaskan Inuit mask
http://www.glenbow.org/collections/museum/native/inuit.cfm


a Soundsuit by Nick Cave
http://badatsports.com/2008/nick-caves-soundsuits/


Stuck on You by Lucy and Bart
http://www.architectradure.com/2008/06/30/organic-prosthesis/

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Span Strength due Oct. 23

Each of these bridges held 100 lbs!

Assignment
You will build a bridge using only foam core and white glue. Your bridge must span a 18" gap, be at least 4" wide, and there must be a place where we can stack weights. Your goal is to build a bridge that can bear as much weight as possible. Consider strength and beauty when you design your bridge. Your projects will be strength tested during the critique, and the student whose bridge can hold the most weight will win a prize.

Oct. 15: You will be given foam core in class. Come to class with white glue and a sharp knife.
Oct. 23: Critique of bridge projects in class.

Here is an example from last year so you can see the setup during critique. The pieces of wood screwed to the side of the table extend down 1'.


'=foot
"=inch

Friday, October 9, 2009

Research Bridges: Homework for 10/16

Your next project will be to construct a bridge that can hold as much weight as possible. We will have a contest during the crit to determine the winner. For your October 16th homework, research interesting bridge designs. Find out why bridges don't fall down. How many types of bridges are there, and what kinds are strongest? Bring sketches and printouts to class to use as a reference for your next sculpture. Bring scissors, Xactos, etc. Your constructions will be built out of foam core, which you'll be given in class.


Roy Coleman bridge design lecture

Model bridge design tips
http://www.garrettsbridges.com/category/design


This bridge is made of cardboard:


Here's an article about it: http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/08/07/shigeru-bans-cardboard-bridge

Bridge Builder Game!
http://www.freeworldgroup.com/games8/gameindex/fwgbridge.htm

Friday, September 25, 2009

Soap Sculpture due Oct. 9









Homework due in class October 2:
1. Read this article about carving soap.
If the link won't work, copy and paste the url:
http://www.dimidumo.be/Lester%20Gaba%20text%203.htm
2. Collect & bring soap carving tools. Example: paring knife, anything used for manicures, hairpin, needle, toothbrush
3. Sketch 3 ideas for for soap carvings.
4. Experiment at home.

Photo Soap carving by George Ferrandi.
Final soap carving project due October 9.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Toxic e-Waste

This video will be of interest to those of you who disassembled digital items.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Friday, September 11, 2009

Transformation and Combination

Object Transformation
You will change two objects of your choice into something completely different by taking them apart and combining the pieces together, giving them a new life as something else.
You must reuse ALL of the material in your existing objects, combine them into a single work.

What you are responsible for bringing in to class
September 19 two objects not bigger than 12" that you feel comfortable changing. You should begin to disassemble your objects at home and bring ALL of the pieces to class.
Any other supplies you would like to use while altering your object, such as glue, tape, sewing supplies, etc.
September 26 Finished project due.

The definition of transformation:
1. a complete change, usually into something with an “improved” appearance or usefulness
2. the act or process of transforming somebody or something
3. the conversion of a normal cell into a malignant cell brought about by the action of a carcinogen or virus
4. the change of one type of atom to another, resulting from a nuclear reaction
5. in transformational grammar, the process of converting one linguistic construction or structure to another following the rules that convert deep structure to surface structure
6. a sudden changing of a stage set that takes place in sight of the audience
7. a permanent change in genetic makeup of a cell when it acquires foreign DNA

This project is due on September 26.
Look at artworks by these artists for inspiration. 
Robert Rauschenberg
Sara Sze

Friday, August 28, 2009

First Project: Cardboard Replication


Cardboard Replication ProjectFor this project, you will replicate an object from real life, using cardboard to recreate its volume, form and textures. Choose something that you can hold in your hand, no bigger than four inches in any direction. Your sculpture will be larger, between 18 and 24 inches in every direction. Your project will be more successful if you choose an object that isn’t too simple.

What you are responsible for bringing to class:
On September 3, bring the following to class & be prepared to work:

1. A small object that fits in your hand. It can be something from nature or something from culture. When you choose your object, ask yourself:
*Will this object be more interesting when I make it bigger?
*Is it too simple or too complex to re-create?
*Does it have interesting form and textures?
*Will changing the size of the object change how we perceive it?
2. Sketchbook: Measurements and sketches of every side of your object, and notes on its texture.
3. An Xacto blade or a box cutter. Keep this safely put away when you are not in class. Everyone will need a blade to complete this project.
4. A ruler.
5. Cardboard. Collect interesting kinds of cardboard (thick, thin, printed, shiny, plain)

****DUE DATE**** September 10 bring your finished project to class.

Important concepts:
Texture refers to the properties held and sensations caused by the external surface of objects received through the sense of touch. You will experiment with tearing, scratching, peeling, crunching, and folding your cardboard. These techniques will allow you to mimic the texture of your object.

Shifting the scale of an object in an artwork forces the viewer to pay more attention to it and think of it outside of its everyday context. Artist Tom Sachs’ NASA space shuttle, made of foam core at human scale, makes a high-tech object seem more approachable and unsound. On the other hand, his mammoth bronze sculptures of Hello Kitty show us a cheaply made child’s toy on a scale usually reserved for Generals and Presidents, making it seem absurdly important. Think about how the scale shift you’re dealing with will change your viewers’ perception of the object you’ve chosen.

Look at these links for inspiration:
Puppy by Jeff Koons.
In Bed, a large lady by Ron Mueck.
Mushroom sculptures by Cosima von Bonin.
The Crawler space shuttle sculpture by Tom Sachs
Chris Gilmour's cardboard sculptures.
Cardboard scultpures by Lincoln Schatz.
Cardboard sculptures by Tobias Putrih.

Course Introduction

Course Objective:

This course is designed to introduce you to 3-dimensional thinking and a wide range of basic sculpture techniques. You will learn how to develop ideas and speak critically about your sculpture and that of your classmates, through critique and familiarization with other contemporary sculptors.

Grading

A = Excellent work, mastered technical skills and conceptual ideas
B = Above average, skilful use of materials combined with a good concept
C = Average, competent execution of craftsmanship and ideas with no
outstanding qualities.
D = Below average, poor execution of ideas with little or no attention to
detail.
F = Work is deficient in all areas.

o Work that is turned in late will receive one full grade lower than is deserved, due to failure to complete assignments on time.
o Throughout the semester, all work can be improved upon using the suggestions given in critiques.
o Critiques are extremely important for everyone in the class. Active participation is essential and will be graded.
o If you miss a critique due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to bring the project to the very next class and show it to your teachers.

Attendance

This course involves experiential learning. Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to be in class on time, and for the full length of the class. Critiques are viewed as exam days! You will be notified of exam days at the time assignments are given.

Please feel free to contact either of us via e-mail or at school if you have any questions regarding the class throughout the course of the semester.

In Addition

You will often be required to collect materials for your sculptures. Be prepared to bring large projects to and from school on Fridays, it is a good idea to bring extra shopping bags to class. In the sculpture classroom, you must always wear closed-toed shoes, not sandals or flip flops. If you miss class on the day a new project is assigned, look at the blog for instructions. It is your responsibility to get materials from Mr. Loveland and turn in your project on time. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

First Day of Class Fall 09

Videos by and about sculptors

Tom Sachs NASA


Amy Yoes
Click image to select & hit space bar to play
Modification & Collapse
Kitchen Sounds
Rear-View Mirror
Gabriel Orozsco

Kiki Smith
Watch kiki smith in Culture  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
The Way Things Go by Fischli & Weiss

Friday, May 29, 2009

Last Day of Class Spring 09


Some stop-motion animations by the Quay Brothers
Street of Crocodiles


Stille Nacht


The Cabinet of Jan Svankmajer


Rehearsals for Extinct Anatomies


The Calligrapher


The Comb (part 1)


The Comb (part 2)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Rube Goldberg Devices Due May 8

Crit Day
Turn the pagePour waterOpen a CokeStamp "fin"Easy buttonTurn on fanAlka Seltzer Water cup

Rube Goldberg was an American cartoonist best known for his cartoons depicting machines he designed to complete simple tasks in overly complicated and humorous ways. His cartoons have inspired millions of projects.

Your final assignment is to create a sculpture inspired by Rube Goldberg that completes a simple task in at least 5 complicated steps. The task and materials you use are up to you. No fire.

April 24 Bring detailed sketches and all materials to class for a work day.
May 1 Work in class.
May 8 Final critique will be a demonstration of your working project. The classroom will be open during lunch for you to set up.

This chain reaction sculpture/video is called The Way Things Go and was made by Swiss artists Fischli and Weiss.


More Rube Goldberg devices
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=rube+goldberg&aq=f

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Material Transformation due 4/18

















































































In class you will be given a large piece of printed plastic. The material has certain properties: it is flat, brittle, translucent, 2-d, consumer-oriented, thin, and slick. You can probably think of other properties this material has. Make a non objective sculpture using all of the material. Bend it, fold it, cut it, tear it, curl it, shred it, weave it; manipulate the material so that your sculpture has characteristics that the original material did not. Your sculpture might even be the opposite of the original material, this is the transformation. You may use tape, glue, string and wire. Your sculpture can be a floor piece or a hanging piece. Everyone is getting the same material, make your piece look different.

There is no class on April 11, so you will have to work on this at home. You will be evaluated on the amount of time you spend on the project, thoughtfulness and creativity, and your transformation of the material.

Artists who transform materials:
http://www.deitch.com/artists/sub.php?artistId=32 Bride Fight by E.V. Day














\http://www.artseensoho.com/Art/PACE/chamberlain98/chamberlain1.html The Privet by John Chamberlain 1997



















http://www.lissongallery.com/#/artists/richard-deacon/Richard Deacon





Ex Boyfriend's Clothing by Shinique Smith http://www.motihasson.com/artist/smith/images.html *Shinique Smith's work is currently on view at the Rubell Family Collection in Miami. http://www.rfc.museum/flash.html


http://www.artnet.com/Magazine/FEATURES/honigman/honigman9-28-04.asp Phoebe Washburn

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Alter Ego Mask due 4/3

Think of an aspect of your personality that the world doesn't normally see. Your challenge is to create a mask (think of it as a sculpture for your head) that represents that concept without illustrating it. This “mask” shouldn't look like anything you've seen before; approach the project in any way that makes sense to you. The materials are up to you. Let the forms, lines, colors and materials you use speak about your concept. You will wear the mask during critique.

Requirements
• The mask must obscure most, if not all of your face. NO ZORO MASKS!
• Some element of the mask should extend at least 12 inches from your head.
• Think about how you will wear it and don’t be afraid to get your shoulders and upper body involved as part of the mask, or as a way to wear it.
• You will be graded on your effort as well as your creativity, thoughtfulness, technique, and skill in making the mask.

You will have two weeks to work on the project, use your time wisely. There is no class on March 27, so you will do this project at home.


Pencil Mask by Rebecca Horn
http://www.mediaartnet.org/works/bleistiftmaske/


Native Alaskan Inuit mask
http://www.glenbow.org/collections/museum/native/inuit.cfm


a Soundsuit by Nick Cave
http://badatsports.com/2008/nick-caves-soundsuits/