Objective
For this project you will research the process of Andy Goldsworthy and create an artwork made with materials you collect from nature. The goal is to learn to slow down and observe the natural world, and to respond to it. You will use Andy Goldsworthy as a model for this exercise.Your project will be presented in class as a single printed photograph. The photo must be printed at least 8x10 and mounted on matt board with a 2 inch border all around.
Please get matt board from Ms. Samimy's room on Mon/Tue (5208).
Process
Step one- Research Andy Goldsworthy
Start here, and be sure to look at lots of examples of his work. Also be sure to read about his process. He has done many interviews. Watch some.
Look at how Goldworthy works- his process. Choose one of the processes he uses- we have listed them below, and included the basic elements/principles of design that Goldsworthy is utilizing.:
Straight stacks- (Repetition, rhythm, balance, symmetry. Strong foundation/static)
Asymmetrical stacks- (Repetition, rhythm, asymmetry. Equalized tension/extends beyond base)
Lines- curved or straight (Repetition, change in line weight/direction/color. contrast)
Voids- (symmetry, balance, strong center, contrast through color/value/material)
Spirals- linear or volumetric (like the cornucopia). Contrast in color, texture, hue, saturation.
Network/Web- linear forms pinned together to create a weblike construction.
Gradient- change from one color (hue/value/saturation) to another.
Step two- Observation
For this exercise, you will consciously begin to think about the world around you, and how you live/exist in it. Look at everything. Your feet when you walk, the trees outside your window. the glass the separates you from those trees. Touch the glass. touch the trees. pay attention. Deep, close, and constant attention. Try to stay in this mindset all week.Step three- Respond
Working exclusively with materials you find in the natural world. Be choosy, and intentional in your choices.Experiment with ways of using your materials. How will you attach them? How can they be manipulated? How can they be transformed? What happens when you have a lot of the same object (multiples)?
Try weaving, braiding, sewing, balancing, tying, bending or whatever technique you come up with to make an object out of the separate materials. Try different techniques of arranging or joining your objects together to make one unified form.
Step four- Documentation
Before you begin working on the project be sure you have thought about how you will document it. Remember, the photo will need to be printed at least 8x10.Here are some things to think about as far as documentation goes:
1. Do you have a camera that can shoot a photo large enough to print 8x10? If not, borrow one.
2. Lighting. What time of day will be best to shoot. Sun behind the piece, in front of the piece, directly overhead?
3. Cropping. Be sure to leave enough space around all sides of the piece when you take the photo. You can always crop some out, but you can never get what you didn't photograph.
4. Watch this!! It may help ;) Note: the flash idea may not be good for this project.
5. Resolution. Set your phone or camera up to take the largest photo it can. Look here for help. Look up your particular phone/camera for specifics.
6. Ask Mr. Hanson for help editing your photo. There are also free on-line photo editors. Also, walgreens will let you edit when you upload the photo (look here).
7. Printing. You can use Walgreens, CVS, Costco, Kinkos, etc. Do NOT print it on your home inkjet printer.
8. Mounting. Do this with Ms. Samimy. Tell her to help you because she's nice ;)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- The size of the sculpture must be at a minimum of 3 feet long in at least one dimension.
- Absolutely no glue, wire, string, tape, zip ties, etc. Use only natural materials that you collect.
- In the creation of your art object, continue to think about your observations. Your sculpture will be your visual response to your observations. Please have a title. Note: you must have a title.
