12/2/16 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we began the last step in the current project, the scale installation style piece.  Previously the students had created clay figure pieces based on photo sources, and we had cast blocks of plaster to be carved.  The latest step was to begin carving the plaster blocks to resemble the clay models.  Using various tools that we had in the classroom (including new plaster rasps) and in the supply closet (hammers, saw) and a few of my own, progress was made and a lot of plaster dust was created.  Below are two examples from today's efforts.

I also showed examples of two prominent 20th century artists who built installation pieces around figures, George Segal and Edward Kienholz, so students could get some more ideas about how they could build around the figure.  We also looked at some older projects, a plastics project that was a few weeks late, and some of the book carving projects that were due today.

How to make this up- If you haven't yet started carving the plaster, you need to start on that.  The tools that we had today belong to the school and had to stay there, returned to the container on the top shelf in the back of the room.  If you can gain access during an open lab session you can use those. Nothing was too specialized that you can't find other things to use- utility knives, emery boards, sand paper, putty knives, etc may all be useful.

Homework- The completed installation piece, which includes the carved plaster figure and whatever else you surround it with to complete your idea, is due on December 16, 2016.

For next class 12/9/16- We will begin the final project of the semester, a large inflatable piece based on a living thing (animals are most common, but I have allowed plants in the past).  Below are some examples from previous semesters:

The material is clear plastic drop cloths (used to cover things when painting and found wherever house paint is sold) and clear plastic sealing tape.  Inflation is done with a hair dryer.  The finished piece must be at least 8 feet in one dimension, and it must be articulated- having parts that inflate (such as legs, heads. fins, tails); you can't just make a simple tube, call it a snake, and be done.  Because of the size, I allow students to work in groups of up to 3 students on a single inflatable, though everyone has the option of working by themselves if they prefer.  No plastic needed for the first day, as all students will need to do some pencil sketches and make at least one bristol board model of their idea (it's part of your individual grade, whether or not you work in a group for the end piece) I believe that we have the bristol board material, but you should bring a sketchbook (or loose paper) for the sketches, scissors or a knife and glue to make the models, and necessary materials for any back projects you may want to work on during class time.