Project Overview
For this project, you will replicate an object from real life, using cardboard to recreate its volume, form and textures. This is an exercise in detail. Start by choosing an interesting object- something that you can hold in your hand. The object should be no bigger than four inches in any direction.
In class, you will measure your object, to produce a detailed sketch. From this sketch, you will find a multiplier to scale the object up to approx. 18-24 inches.
Your sculpture will be an enlarged scale replica, measuring between 18 and 24 inches in every direction.
Note: Your project will be more successful if you choose an object that isn’t too simple. Some examples of good objects to choose: Flashlight, staple remover, lightbulb, milk jug. Examples of objects that are bad choices (too simple): iPhone, laptop, picture frame, cup, game system.
Schedule
On August 22, bring the following to class and 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)
August 29: In-class work day. Bring all materials necessary to work on your projects. This is the main fabrication, and trouble-shooting day.
Sept 5th: Final in-class work day. This is the time we will be working on details. Adding textures, and refinements, to take your project to the next level.
Sept 5th: Final in-class work day. This is the time we will be working on details. Adding textures, and refinements, to take your project to the next level.
DUE SEPT 12th: AT START OF CLASS. Bring your finished project ready for crit.
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.
Everything is made from something. The something that things are made of is called material. Materials are selected for a variety of reasons, including: durability (strength), ergonomics (how it interacts with the body), tactility (how it feels), and appearance (what it looks like). How do material choices affect the perception of an object? What happens when you create something precious out of something we normally throw away? When something heavy, and hard is re-created with a lightweight material, like cardboard?
Unfinished projects that are shown at critique will receive no higher than a C grade.
Late projects will be reduced by one letter grade.
Projects not shown in critique, but turned in late, will receive no higher than a B.
Everything is made from something. The something that things are made of is called material. Materials are selected for a variety of reasons, including: durability (strength), ergonomics (how it interacts with the body), tactility (how it feels), and appearance (what it looks like). How do material choices affect the perception of an object? What happens when you create something precious out of something we normally throw away? When something heavy, and hard is re-created with a lightweight material, like cardboard?
Rubric
This project is a technical exercise in learning to measure, and build. It is also a conceptual exercise in understanding how scale, and material can be shifted to change the meaning of an object. In addition to your creativity in approaching the conceptual exercise, you will be graded on your time-management, and your technical skills: Is the object to scale? Is it well crafted? Neatly glued? Cut well? Is it finished?Unfinished projects that are shown at critique will receive no higher than a C grade.
Late projects will be reduced by one letter grade.
Projects not shown in critique, but turned in late, will receive no higher than a B.
NWSA Student Examples
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.
LOOK BELOW FOR MORE EXAMPLES FROM THE INTERNET (ARTISTS, AND OTHERS)
