THREE-DIMENSIONAL MEDIA

SCULPTURE

introduces the concept of depth

constructed to represent a natural or imaginary shape

can be free standing, carved in relief, or kinetic

Forms

Free-standing (statuary)

- sculpture in the round

- one which can be seen from more than one position

Relief – projects from a flat background (bas/high relief)

Kinetic – mobiles which are made of metal, wood, or plastic, arranged with wires and hung where
they can move

Sound sculpture - an intermedia and time based art form in which sculpture or any kind of art object
produces sound, or the reverse (in the sense that sound is manipulated in such a way as to create a
sculptural as opposed to temporal form or mass).

Methods and Materials of Sculpture

Additive Processes

Modeling

Assembling/Fabrication

Subtractive Process

Carving

Molding Process

Casting

Additive Process

Modeling (clay, wax; pliable when wet but hard when dried and fired: terra cotta; the most direct)

Assemblage/Fabrication

joins and fastens – nailing, stapling, soldering,

and welding)

builds piece by piece

combination of different materials put together

Note:
 assembling- parts simply placed on or near each other

constructing - parts joined together

Subtractive Process

Carving (wood, stone, ivory); more aggressive than modeling;

more direct than casting

Molding Process: Casting

uses bronze and other metals

indirect method

requires cooling and solidification

calls for a negative mold and positive reproduction

negative - the hollow form or mold into which the liquefied casting material is poured

positive - the copy or reproduction resulting from filling the negative mold with the substances
selected for the specific cast, which are then allowed to harden.

allows multiples to be made

Distinct characteristics of Stone

granite(good for large work with few designs- Egyptian sculptures of Pharaohs)

marble(capable of taking a high polish; easier to carve than granite)

sandstone (soft stone)

basalt (hard and black)

limestone(fine and even texture)

SCULPTURE AND THE THIRD DIMENSION

Relief- meant to be viewed from one side only

used to decorate architecture or functional objects

low/bas - slightly projected

high - projected more boldly

parts may be in the round, unattached to the background

THE HUMAN FIGURE IN SCULPTURE

images in royal tombs
“presence” (religious and spiritual); (representation of spirits)

portrayals of rulers, heroes, and heroines (n contrapposto ;“counterpoise”or “counterbalance”;

implies potential for motion

shows idealized, perfected bodies

depicted nude to images of male athletes

feelings and ideas about human experience

visual harmony with landscape in abstraction

consciousness rising out of the natural forms of the earth

feelings and ideas about human experience

troubling view of humanity (Magdalena Abakanowicz)

SCULPTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Sculpture

too large

designed for display outdoor

part of natural environment

impermanence in sculpture/ephemeral art

public art

BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES:ARTISTS AND CRAFTS

* done by feminist groups/ gender issues

*health and other social issues

Links for printing processes

Encaustic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O8_VdDv_B4

Block printing: linocut

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiQPOIwObrQ

Printmaking Process: Intaglio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNKn4PORGBI

Printmaking Process: Lithography

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHw5_1Hopsc