Today's class- Today we are exploring the formal design property of symmetry, generally defined as exact duplication in a mirror like appearance on both sides of a real or imaginary line. There is also a radial variety, in which things are identical all around the center of a round item. The assignment today was an exercise- start with some symmetrical object, and build an asymmetrical composition featuring the chosen item.
How to make this up- The assignment will call for you to start with memory sketches of five symmetrical (bilateral or radial) objects in a sketchbook or on scrap paper. Choose one of them to make the focus of a three dimensional sketch done with bristol board, built up on a base. Something stiff, like foam core or mat board, in the vicinity of 9" x 12" will do for the base. In these student examples from previous semesters above and below, it was radial symmetry from flowers and other plants. Main rule is that the resulting finished piece should not be a symmetrical composition- because of the angles you've chosen, or the arrangement of elements on your base. Consider how the piece will look from multiple angles- with these two examples I showed the view from above and the side.
This is a portfolio exercise, that can be made up for full credit any time before the last day of the semester.
Two views of another student piece, demonstrating how viewpoints can make a difference in how things are balanced in a composition. The mix of black and white is not part of this exercise, but this being an ungraded assignment, I decided to allow it.
And another good example of creating a complex asymmetrical composition from a bunch of symmetrical pieces, in this case radial symmetrical snow flakes.
and two more examples from today's class:
Homework- The Make 100 Module project begun in class last week is due at the beginning of class on February 9, 2016. At that time we will look at all the results and have a group critique. The pieces will all be returned graded by the end of class.
For next class 2/9/16- We will start a new graded project with the topic of positive and negative space, which will take the form of a relief sculpture made from foam core. The pieces will be inspired by skeletons, human or animal. I will bring in diagrams of several, though you are welcome to bring your own or find something online. Below are two student examples from previous semesters.
You will be required to make two pieces. For the first you will start with an image of a skeleton (or a detail of one) and turn it into a relief image. For the second piece, you will come up with a second item which has similar positive and negative shape relationships, and create a relief image based on that. In both cases, you will use your x-acto knife to cut through a piece of foam core and glue the piece with negative spaces on top of the the base piece to create a low relief sculpture. In the student example above, the skeleton hand inspired the hand grenade- overall shape and bones and spaces led to the surface texture of the classic pineapple style grenade. In the example below the student started with the image of a flying fish skeleton and found the similarities to an ear of corn, still on the stalk. The bottom piece shows an option, pairing black foam core with white to create a more high contrast relationship between the positive and negative space. In such a situation the black can be used for either the top or bottom piece. Your grade won't be affected, just giving you an option for your art.
Bring two 12" square pieces of foam core, and two more or the equivalent amount in smaller pieces to make your eventual top piece, x-acto knife and spare blades, pencil, and glue.
