Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Alter-ego Mask (crit Oct. 21)































Think of an aspect of your personality that the world doesn't normally see. Your challenge is to create a mask (think of it as a sculpture for your head) that represents that concept without illustrating it. This “mask” shouldn't look like anything you've seen before; approach the project in any way that makes sense to you. The materials are up to you. Let the forms, lines, colors and materials you use speak about your concept. You will wear the mask during critique on October 21.

Requirements
• The mask must obscure most, if not all of your face. 
• NO STORE-BOUGHT MASKS. This is not a Halloween mask.
• Some element of the mask should extend at least 12 inches from your head.
• Think about how you will wear it and don’t be afraid to get your shoulders and upper body involved as part of the mask, or as a way to wear it.
• You will be graded on your effort as well as your creativity, thoughtfulness, technique, and skill in making the mask.

You will have two weeks to work on the project, use your time wisely. There will be an in-class work day on Oct. 12.


Pencil Mask by Rebecca Horn
http://www.mediaartnet.org/works/bleistiftmaske/




Native Alaskan Inuit mask


Susan Cole, Member of the (Medicine) Cabinet, Mixed Media

Yup'ik culture from Western Alaska, early 20th century
The mask here, one of a pair, represents "Negakfok," meaning the north wind or, more eloquently, the spirit that likes cold and stormy weather. Its white spots are said to represent snow flakes, and the many wood danglers clattered when moved giving a voice to the spirit of the north wind.

http://www.glenbow.org/collections/museum/native/inuit.cfm


a Soundsuit by Nick Cave
http://badatsports.com/2008/nick-caves-soundsuits/


Masks from Burkina Faso, Central Africa.  Mossi mask, wan liuli, Ouagadougou style, photo 1976


Mossi masks at a year-end anceatral celebration in the village of Zeguedeguin, far eastern Mossi area, 1977. The red, or male, masks.

2009 projects 2010 projects

2010 projects
http://newworldsculpture9.blogspot.com/2009/10/alter-ego-mask-due-nov-6.html

Friday, September 16, 2011

Soft Sculpture (due Oct. 7 )











Definition of Pop Art from Wikipedia

Like Claes Oldenberg, you will create a soft version of an everyday object that is normally hard. Choose an object that has interesting contours, no cell phones or iPods.

Homework for next week 9/23:
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.

Project requirements:
Minimum size 3'x3'x3'
No glue
Design and construction well-planned

Considerations
Scale: Blown up, shrunk, or 1:1
Choice of materials
Surface details(you can finish the sculpture however you want, by adding things to the surface, painting, it's up to you)

Claes Oldenburg pictures for inspiration










Claes Oldenburg's Club Sandwich


Upside Down City


Ice Bag

Claes Oldenburg's Club Sandwich


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:
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: