Introduction to Sculpture Instructor: Alicia Eggert, eggert@alfred.

edu
TA: Jonas Lindberg, JDL8@alfred.edu
Class Blog: introtosculpture2010.blogspot.com
ART255-01 M+T 1:20-4:10 Binns Merrill SB01

Self-Portrait: From Image to Object with Multiples Due February 5th

For this assignment you will be asked to turn a photographic image of yourself into a three-dimensional object. Your
self-portrait may take the form of a bust or full-figure sculpture. It’s scale should be determined by the found objects
you have chosen to work with, and the amount of material required to make a strong visual impact.

First, you should choose an image of your face or body that you would like to replicate. Next, you must choose an
everyday object or group of objects or that you can work with in multiple (the smaller the object, the better). Make
sure your chosen objects are inexpensive and “ordinary”. Consider all the possible associations that could be made to
that object, and how it relates to you personally.

Think about the color, texture, and form of your chosen object(s) and how those characteristics can be used 2- or 3-
dimensionally to physically construct your “image”. Can your object(s) be layered, stacked, arranged, or physically
manipulated individually in some way to compose the image en masse? Try to use very simple rather than complex
and technical construction methods, such as glue, staples, nails, tape, string, etc.

Time/Dedication/Research – 20%
Your research includes the picture you choose to
base your image on, and the objects you select to
make it from.

Craftmanship – 20%
Although craftsmanship is always important, it is
not the main concern of this project.

Concept – 30%
The relationship between your image and the
objects used to construct is extremely important.
You should be able to justify your choices.

Presentation – 20%
Your project should be installed in the sculpture
gallery for a very short critique, and properly lit. You
must decide if it is a free-standing object, or if it
needs to sit on a pedestal or hang on the wall.

Documentation – 10%
Two images of your final project, along with a title,
dimensions and material list, must be posted after
the final critique. One image should be an overall
view, and the other should be a detail. Your final
documentation should be labeled both with your
name and also ”Self-Portrait”, so it can be easily
accessed on the blog.

“After van Gogh” by Devorah Sperber, 2008

28”H x 21”W
408 spools of thread, stainless steel ball chain
and hanging apparatus, clear acrylic viewing sphere,
metal stand