Today's project is our final- creating a large inflatable sculpture. We'e going to put to use a lot of the things we've done this semester.
This project was inspired by one of my grad school classmates, who shared the results with me. 20 years ago John was primarily a painter, though he also dabbled in sculpture. During our time in the midwest, he decided to participate in an outdoor sculpture competition. Following a traditional approach, he came up with an idea, worked out in sketches. A model was created (don't have a photo to show you, but that was used to get into the show) and once he was accepted, he built the final piece. I helped him install it. His piece was not inflatable (made from metal, canvas, machinery, etc), but the inflatable piece was one he was doing with his 3D class in Iowa years later, and he had good results. I've used it several times and it also works well here in New Jersey.
How to make this up- The first step is to sketch out some ideas. With pencil on paper, choose 5 possible subjects for your piece. The subject must by either an animal or plant. Should be based on a real thing, not a cartoon character. (we're not Macy's) After you've shown me your 5 sketches, choose one of them to expand into a small model, using foam core and bristol board. This will provide a guide in building the final plastic piece, allowing you to work out proportions (so you know how big to cut the plastic sheets to make the planned piece) and to consider how to work the inflation. Below are some examples of sketches and models.
You may work in groups of up to 3 students, though you can work by yourself if you prefer. For those who work in groups, the initial sketches and models will be part of your individual grade for the project. Everyone must do sketches and make one model. For those who work in a group, you can choose one model to expand into the final piece. Below is an example of a model and the resulting inflatable piece.
The resulting piece must be at least 8 feet in one dimension, and must have articulations (not just a tube or sphere) such as body segments, legs, fins, wings, a tail, or whatever is suitable for your subject. Last week's blog post includes a link to all of last semester's finished pieces. Below are more good examples from past semesters.
Homework- This inflatable piece is our final project, due on the last day of class- May 3, 2016. We will start looking at the resulting pieces as soon as people are ready to inflate them that day. If you need the whole 6 hours to finish your piece that day I'll be there, but if you are finished early and have nothing else to show me, you can leave early.
The book project is due at the beginning of class on April 26, 2016. They will be graded and returned that day.
Those who have not yet turned in their museum assignments should get them to me as soon as possible to receive partial credit.
For next class 4/26/16- We will continue on the Final Project. If you haven't done the first part yet (drawings, model) bring the materials for those. If you are caught up on those, make sure you have your clear plastic drop cloth, some clear plastic sealing tape, and scissors.
