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