NWSA- ART 3D Comprehensive: Project 8: Soft Sculpture. Homework Due January 8th. Final Critique January 22nd.

Viola by N. M. 2014

Project Description

Like Claes Oldenberg, you will create a soft version of an everyday object that is normally hard.

In addition to basic craft/fabrication skills, the conceptual idea we will be focusing on is: How shifts in scale and material can transform an object and our relationship to it.

With this in mind, choose an object to recreate that has interesting overall shape, good detail, and lots of facets/contours. Choose an object that will present an interesting transformation when you shift the scale and material. Objects that work best tend to be hard (metal, plastic, wood), machine-made, and hand-sized.

Please Note: No cell phones, game systems, dolls, or figurines. Generally, objects that are already soft, or commonly represented as toys are not as successful. Choose an object that will be interesting when you recreate it out of soft material.

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.)

Schedule

WORK FOR THIS WEEK
Homework
Due at beginning of class on Jan 8th for a grade.

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. You must have detailed measurements of your object, and must determine the multiplier. For info on the multiplier, please refer to the cardboard project page.

Note: You need at least 6 drawings of your object. Front, Bottom, Sides, Top, Bottom. These should include detailed measurements. Have the multiplier clearly labeled on your drawings.

Jan 8th: In-class work day
Come prepared to work by bringing your object, detailed drawings, and materials to class (you will need your own sewing needles, pins, fabric, and thread).

Note: Needles, pins, and thread can be purchased, or borrowed from family. Fabric can be recycled from old clothes, sheets, towels, etc. Please do not spend a lot of money on materials. Be resourceful.

In-class Demonstrations: Basic hand-seeing and pattern-making. You will have the rest of the class to work. You will be graded on preparedness, time-management and class participation for this day.

Homework
Due at beginning of class on Jan 15th for a grade

Work on project. When you return to class on Jan 15th, project must be at least ½ to ¾ done. Pattern should be complete and construction should be well under way. Grade will be assessed on progress at start of class: 1/2 done = B, 3/4 done = A. Less than 1/2 complete = C, or less.

Please send questions/concerns via email to Mr. K or Mr. L for feedback.

Jan 15th: In-class work day
Bring everything you need for working in class. You must be at least 1/2 way to 3/4 finished with your project.

In-class Demonstrations: Adding text and fine details to your project.

Jan 22nd: Final Critique
Critique will begin promptly at beginning of class. Please prepare the room for critique as soon as you get to class. We will use a white backdrop for shooting, and set the tables up family-style.

Rubric

The final project grade holds double weight and will be assessed on:
40% Craftsmanship- cutting, sewing, durability, and attention to detail.
30% Concept/Creativity- transformation of your object due to material choices and scale.
30% Elements of Design- color, texture, line, form, value, etc.

In addition to your final project grade, you will receive two process grades. Process grades will be assessed on:
Jan 8th: Six detailed sketches with measurements. Multiplier. Brought materials to work.
Jan 15th: Project at least 1/2 to 3/4 complete.

Research

See the following Claes Oldenburg Work for inspiration. Look for other artists who work with shifts in scale and material in their practice. Be prepared to talk about this in class.

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: