Today's Class- Today we started a new multi-part graded project, involving two new (for our class) mediums. Students were asked to create a small figure out of modeling clay, using a magazine photo of their choosing as a guide. Below is an example in progress from today's class. The clay is not planned to be fired, but just to serve as 3D sketch.
While this was going on I was mixing plaster and pouring it into molds brought in by each student. Nothing fancy, just making blocks, but at our next meeting students will carve their blocks using various tools.
At the end of class the plaster block molds were moved to the shelves in the back of the room, most in the back right corner.
How to make this up- A rare day- everyone was present, and everyone is caught up with this first part.
Homework- The next phase of this project will involve creating a scale model figure based installation style piece. Installation sculpture is art that is not just a single piece, but the whole area around it is accounted for in the artistic vision. Excellent examples from back in the 1960's include work by Edward Kienholz and New Jersey resident George Segal. If you are not familiar, take a few minutes to look them up. You need to look at your figure and come up with an interesting environment to contain it. You may use any materials you like to surround the carved plaster figure. This is based on a similar project my 3D class at Kean used to do, though there the figures were made from bristol board. Below are some student examples of the project:
The installation space will be defined by base of the piece, and that whole area should be activated. Backdrops are permitted a may prove useful to your theme. Other than your plaster figure, the rest of the piece can be made from any material you want, as shown in the above student examples. You may use paint if you like. You need not construct anything yet, as the plaster figure haven't even been started yet. Just start thinking about it and what you might do.
The completed book sculptures are due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2016.
Only four more meetings after Thanksgiving. If you owe any back projects, better get them soon.
***No Class on November 25th for the Holiday***
For next class 12/2/16- We should have some tools in the classroom that can be used to carve the plaster, but any tools that can be used to carve wood, clay, or stone can also carve plaster, so feel free to bring any you have. We will open by looking at the completed books, then spend the day working on the plaster figures. If you have the materials for your installation piece you can start on it, but it won't be due that day.
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