First Project: Cardboard Replication due 9/10

For 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.

Bring 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.
The Crawler space shuttle sculpture by Tom Sachs
Chris Gilmour's cardboard sculptures.

2010-2011 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.

Here are some videos by and about sculptors:

Tom Sachs NASA


Amy Yoes
Click image to select & hit space bar to play
Modification & Collapse

Rear-View Mirror
Gabriel Orozsco
Kiki Smith
Watch kiki smith in Culture  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Last Day 2010

last day of class from intro sculpture on Vimeo.