3D Design Final Project Examples

Last semester, working in groups, the class made six inflatable sculptures to end the semester.  In the end, all six creations were blown up at least long enough for everyone to see the intended shapes.  Below are shots of each one:

12/10/13 3D Design

Today's class- Today's plan was to spend most of the day working in groups on the final project, the large scale inflatable pieces.  However, the expected snow storm that arrived this morning made that a little more difficult.  We did look at the book projects, and I graded some late arriving examples of other  graded projects from the past month.  The books were graded and left on our class shelves in the classroom.  I returned the museum papers that had been handed in last week with instructions about what was needed to improve the grade.  And a few groups hung around long enough to actually begin making their inflatable sculptures.

How to make this up-  We didn't start anything new today.  Details about all the back projects can be found on this blog.  Graded projects can be turned in up to 5 weeks late for partial credit, which means I will still accept the plastic parts piece, the canon of proportion/classroom piece, and the book carving project on the final day.  If you still owe any of the portfolio exercises (asymmetrical bristol board, car and abstract sculpture from car parts, coffee holders, canon of proportions two figures) they can still be brought in for full credit.  Museum papers may also be turned in next week.  Nothing will be accepted after the official end of our class next Tuesday afternoon.

Homework-  The Inflatable Sculpture Final Project is due at our last meeting of the semester on December 17, 2013.  In addition to each group's large inflatable piece, each student needs to show their pencil sketches of five early ideas, and the one model they constructed from bristol board/foam core.  

For next class 12/17/13- Normally on the last day of class we open with a critique, I dismiss everyone temporarily while I grade stuff, and then have everyone return before the end of class to learn the grades and to pick up their stuff.  However, seeing the possibility that some students may need some classroom time next week to finish their Final Projects, I will allow students to use the early portion of the class to construct their projects.  (at the beginning of next week's class I'll see where everyone is at and decide at exactly what time we'll have the critique) Bring your clear plastic, rolls of package sealing tape, and scissors, along with the drawings and models from last week, and anything else you need graded.  

3D Design Inflatable Sculpture

The Assignment- This project comes to us courtesy of John Siblik,  current professor of sculpture and a former classmate of mine.  In our school days, he was primarily a painter, but like all good art students he worked in a variety of media.  While we were out in the midwest he participated in an outdoor sculpture competition that started with detailed sketches of his idea, then a scale model, and finally the full size work: a ten foot long piece that appeared to be a giant piece of intestine erupting from the ground.  

He sent me a link to photos of this inflatable project that his students have had success with, so we're going to give it a try.  We will follow a similar set of steps.  You will be designing an inflatable sculpture that is at least 8 feet long in one dimension, made from thin clear plastic drop cloths and clear plastic sealing tape, and inflated with a shop vac in reverse.  The sculpture must be based on a living thing and must include articulated shapes.  (you can't just make a tube, call it a snake, and be done with it)  Today we worked on the first step, developing a plan.  Each student made pencil sketches of five ideas, and then constructed a simple model of one of the ideas using bristol board and foam core.  Below are some examples from last semester.  

Students will be working in groups of 2 or 3, so each group will select from their paper models which one idea to create at the full 8 foot scale.  You also may work by yourself if you prefer.

Photos of finished inflatable sculptures from last semester may be seen here.