3/25/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we started a new project using a new material for the first time. a traditional codex, or a book with a spine with pages bound on one side.  You will be carving the block of pages to create a contained sculpture.  As for the above photo, if you were there you know what that was about.

How to make this up- The rules include that the book must be able to still close and open normally, that all pages must remained partly attached to the original binding, and that no glue can be used.  Besides that there are two options, and I have good student examples of each below:

A) Positive Shape Form-  

For this option you will be carving away what you don't want to create a positive shape or arrangement of positive shapes.  (a scene, for example)  You may use the whole block of pages as your starting point, or create something that extends onto both covers.  In this portrait piece, all the dark shapes shown are shadows created by light in the classroom.


B) Negative Shape Form-

For this option, you would need to think more in terms of negative space.  Divide the whole block of pages into roughly 4 equal sized thicknesses.  You will create shapes that change, alter, disappear, and newly appear between the different sections.  For example, of the shapes that start cutting through the first section, some must continue through to the second section, while some most stop, but new negative shapes must be revealed as viewers continue to move through the book.  Those shapes must remain connected to themselves, a continuous void, but can change dimension from beginning to end.  Above is a view inside the front cover, below we can see how the negative shapes on the right side have started to change from the ones on the left.

This example uses abstract geometric shapes, but if you have an idea for doing this process with a representational scene, that is also acceptable.

This book sculpture graded project will continue in class next week.  Due date will be announced by the end of next week's class.

Homework- Nothing new, but I did review with some students which items that they still need to turn in.  Exercises can be done at any time, but there is a time factor in the graded projects, so those should be completed as soon as possible.  

I also reminded people today that the museum assignments are due on April 22, 2014, about one month from now.  I recommend getting the visit out of the way soon, before all your classes start hitting you with other papers, projects, and tests.

For next class 4/1/14-  We will look at the found object (plastic) sculptures that we started in class last week.  They will be critiqued, graded and returned by the end of the day.  The rest of the class period will be devoted to continuing work on the book sculpture project, so bring back the books you were working on, knives, and anything else you might need.

3/18/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we started a new graded project involving found object assemblages.  Found objects are any existing materials, but for this project we are limiting ourselves to manufactured items originally created for some other purpose.  Most commonly used are plastic and light metals, but items made from rubber, glass, cloth, paper, and electronic parts may be of use.  Hot glue is the most common way of attaching things, but you may use wire, nuts and bolts, or anything else you can think of.

How to make this up-  You will need a supply of found objects.  Some students brought an assortment with them to class, and I had a small supply of items I had collected from my house, mostly plastic caps from soda bottles, milk and orange juice containers, parts of containers for toiletries, bread bag closing tabs, and starter plant label tabs.  Some start with an idea of something they wish to make, while others just put together a big pile of cast off plastics and look to see if they are inspired to make anything.

As for the assignment, you are to make a representational sculpture, something that resembles a recognizable subject in terms of overall shape and proportion, as well as color and texture.  It must be at least 12 inches in at least one dimension (height, length, diameter, etc).  Your representation can be life size or an enlargement.  I posted examples from a professional artist of this style of work on the previous blog post, and further instructions and student examples from last semester can be seen here.  Above (snake) and below (cupcake) are pieces in progress from today's class.

Homework-  This found object sculpture project is due at the beginning of class on April 1, 2014, at which time they will be critiqued, graded, and returned.

Students who still owe back projects and portfolio exercises should try to completed them as soon as possible, especially graded projects, which lose points for each week they are late.

For next class 3/25/14- We will start a new graded project involving creating three dimensional sculptures from discarded books.  Bring two old books you don't mind cutting up (one for the project, and a spare in case you mess up the first one), preferably hard cover, at least 300 pages, and with cover dimensions about 8"x 6".  ( a little larger is fine, but you don't want to get much smaller)  A few pieces of foam core, or even scraps of corrugated cardboard, of the same dimensions may be helpful for working out ideas before you start cutting up the book.  You will also need a pencil, your x-acto knife and spare blades are recommended (dull blades tend to tear paper rather than cut it).

3/4/14 3D Design

Today's Class- We opened by looking at the foam core relief panels projects, which were graded and returned by the end of the day.  Most of the class period was spent working on new portfolio exercise creating sculptures from parts of pulp cardboard coffee trays and similar materials.  The last part of class was spent talking about our next graded project, found object sculptures made from discarded plastic and metal objects.

How to make this up-  Get yourself 3 or 4 of the molded pulp cardboard trays available wherever a lot of take out coffee is sold.  These are designed specifically to hold coffee cups, but also have very complex shapes, with concave and convex curves and spaces top and bottom, and interesting transitions from one part to another.  Spend a few minutes carefully looking at the trays, and consider what you might do with the various shapes.  When you are ready, start to cut them into pieces with your scissors or x-acto knife, and then assemble the pieces into a sculpture.  You may make a representative object, or just create an abstract design.  The important thing is to take advantage of the shapes available to you.  Above are two examples from today's class.  Additional directions and student examples can be found here.

This is a portfolio exercise that can be made up any time before the end of the semester, but I recommend doing it soon for two reasons.  First of all, the big projects at the end of the semester will be time consuming.  Second, considering how to use the shape possibilities here will be good practice for the next major project involving cast off plastic.

Homework-  Nothing new, but those who still owe the modules project or the foam core relief panels should try to get them done as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

*******Spring Break  March 10 to 14, 2014.  No class next week*******

For next class 3/18/14- We will start our next graded project, found object sculptures making use of cast off plastics, metal, and other manufactured items.  Below are several examples of such sculptures made by New Jersey artist Lisa Bagwell.  Her materials are all things she finds as garbage or has given to her by friends who are familiar with her art.

Above and below are two views of a piece based on a sub sandwich.  The bread is made from wine corks, and the filling includes plastic lids, gloves, disposable plastic razors, and sponges.  The olive on top is made from plastic bottle caps.  

Above is a bird made largely from starter plant label tabs, a conch shell made from plastic cigar mouthpiece tips, and an ice cream cone that includes popsicle sticks, bottle caps, and a plastic spout.  Some of the same materials were used below for the hawk in a cork tree.  

The egret below is largely made from plastic utensils and pencils.

The shapes and colors of your found objects must be part of the design.  You can arrive to class with a plan, or just bring a bunch of stuff and see what it can be when you get there.  Bring your supply of found objects, hot glue gun and sticks, and anything that you might use to build on or fasten it.  Also consider what will form the main volume of your object that the surface colors and textures are attached to.  The resulting sculptures must be at least 12" in one dimension and resemble the subjects in terms of proportion, shape, and color. 

More 3D Class examples for 3/4/14- plastic

Examples of representative sculptures made from manufactured found objects.  

Above  and Below- Assorted Sculptures from

artist Lisa Bagwell

Above and Below- pieces from

previous 3D students