Project Description
Like Claes Oldenberg, you will create a soft version of an everyday object that is normally hard. The transformation (via scale and materiality) of an everyday object changes our relationship to both the artist's version, and to the original. With this in mind, choose an object that has interesting contours, and that will present an interesting transformation.
Please Note: No cell phones or iPods, no dolls or characters.
Schedule
Homework for next week 11/1:1. 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.
Next week we will teach you how to sew by hand and also using machines. Come prepared to work.
You will have two in-class work days, and will be graded on preparedness, time management and class participation as well as the quality of your final project.
No Class on 11/8:
Work on projects through the week, and send email to Mr. K or Mr. L for feedback.
Homework for next week 11/15:
Bring everything you need for working in class. You should be 1/3 to 1/2 way done. Today we will talk about adding the details to your project.
Critique date: 11/22
Project requirements
Minimum size 3'x3'x3'No glue!
Design and construction well-planned
Considerations
What will the scale be? What does that say? (Enlarged, Shrunk, or 1:1)What are your material choices? (textures, patterns, prints, color, flexibility, etc)
How will it be filled/stuffed? (packing peanuts, feathers, fluff, etc)
How will you deal with surface details? (You can finish the sculpture however you want, by adding things to the surface, using different materials, buttons, painting, etc.)
Last Year's projects
2011's projects
2010's projects
2008's projects
Upside Down City
Ice Bag
Surface and details on soft sculpture
Christian Holstadt "The Road to Hell is Paved (Best Buy)
The Road to Hell is Paved (Whole Foods)
Christian Holstad
Defined Thorough Deflation and Limits of Exposure
2004 Mixed Media: Cashmere coat, tie, white shirt, leather glove, terry cloth, polyester, cotton, vintage millinery trimmings, vintage satin glove, champagne glass, men's suiting and vintage party dress
Dimensions variable
Description of Christian's work:
Two stuffed snakes, a dark male and his floral female mate, lay entwined on the gallery floor clutching a bouquet of microphones. This hand-sewn, soft sculpture, typical of Holstad's interest in traditional forms of craftsmanship, invites us to reconsider culturally prescribed notions of gender, domesticity, and high and low art.
Ideas for how to add detail to your soft sculpture:
