NWSA- ART 3D Comprehensive: March 2016

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.

Schedule

March 18th- Final Critique of single 8x10 (or larger) matted photo.

Project Description

Chris Scarborough, drawing of a mask

“Show me your trash, and I will tell you who you are.”

Your challenge is to create a mask/Helmet that describes an aspect of your personality that we as a class would normally not know. Like trash, which we cover in land fills, think of a characteristic/trait that is normally covered or hidden. The mask you create should reveal something new about you.

You may only use materials intended for your trash can, or recycling bin. In other words, save the things you would normally discard... these will become your materials.

Requirements

The mask/helmet must obscure most, if not all of your face. It must also cover the back of your head.

NO ZORO or ANONYMOUS MASKS or pre-fabricated masks!

Make sure that you can see out of the mask, and allow for sufficient breathing

Your mask/sculpture should be 75% made of trash from your home.

You must have volume. Some element of the mask should extend at least 12 inches from your head.

This is not a party decoration. This is sculpture... think volume.

Remember be prepared, you will be wearing your mask during critique, so make sure it stays on your head/face.

The mask/helmet must stay on without your hands holding it.

Evaluation

You will be graded on your effort as well as your creativity, thoughtfulness, technique, and skill in making the mask.

Due Date

Project due March 11th at beginning of class. We will shoot photos during critique. There are no in-class work days, you will complete this project at home.

Process

1. Gather Materials for Friday, March 4th

Begin by sourcing materials that you would normally throw away. Be sure to clean them. As you take an inventory of your garbage/recycling, think about how the materials can communicate just by themselves.

The primary materials you will use are discarded items from your home, things like: milk cartons, packaging, containers, broken household items, old clothes, etc. You do not need to buy anything.

Please clean and prepare your materials so they are not harmful to you, or cause a potential pest problem. Remember you will be wearing this sculpture on your head during critique.

Do not use any materials that will rot, ie. vegetables, or animal by-products. If you do choose to use food-stuff, make sure it is stable, and will not attract pests. An example of something that could be used if clean and stable would be well-washed egg shells.

2. Make Sketches and play

Start making sketches, and trying out different building techniques. Experiment with different ways to create form and volume.

3. Choose an idea to communicate

When you are thinking of ways to communicate your idea, try to find ways that will manifest your concept without illustrating it; don't be too literal.

Try to stay away from easy recognizable pop culture memes, and do your best to make your “mask” not look like anything you've seen before. It will be helpful to think of this more as a wearable sculpture for your head. This is not a halloween mask.

Note: We will be works hoping your ideas in class on March 4th.

4. Construction

Approach the project in a way that makes sense to you, and use building-techniques you've learned from previous projects. Do your best to create volume with the materials you have selected.

All the same design concepts apply to these materials as they would with things you buy in an art store.

Use form, line, color, and context to communicate. The materials you use, and the way you put them together should be enough to communicate your concept. They should show us something new about who you are.

5. Wearable

Finally, make it comfortable, and make sure it fits... you will wear the mask during critique. You will also be wearing this mask outdoors.

Background information

A mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. They are usually worn on the face, although they may also be positioned for effect elsewhere on the wearer's body, so in parts of Australia giant totem masks cover the body, whilst Inuit women use finger masks during storytelling and dancing.[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask

Helmets are thought of as protective gear. You can incorporate this into your idea if you choose. Helmets are different than masks in that they typically cover the back of the head.

Further Research

Please research masks/helmets from other cultures and time periods: Asian, African, American, Latin American, European, Pacific Islander, Australian Aboriginal, etc, etc.

What did they look like? What materials and building techniques did they use? Why did they make them? How were they used?

Here are a few links to some contemporary artists using trash or masks/helmets in their work. Please feel free to share any other information or videos with all of us. Use the comment section of the blog.

Artists References

Living Artists of Japan: The Face Behind the Mask - Noh Mask Maker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdFFwxw9mN8

Cindy Sherman: Mannequins & Masks | Art21 "Exclusive"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHVsXPoVbiE

Masks | "Exclusive" | Art21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB5ykyAAhtk

Paul McCarthy: "Piccadilly Circus" | Art21 "Exclusive"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76YkbsSiZk4

Mary Mattingly Owns Up | "New York Close Up" | Art21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gujH5oYmHcY