Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Project 5: Self Portrait as a Utilitarian Object
Description: Using found objects, you will create an assemblage piece which addresses the concept of a self-portrait as a utilitarian object. The concept is to figure out how to associate how you view yourself with how you view a particular utilitarian object. Your Project does not have to be figurative. The focus should be in figuring out what defines yourself beyond physical manifestations, and how to visually depict this through an artwork.
Things to think about: What defines you as a human being? Your personality? Your actions? Your job? Your influences? What makes you who you are as a functioning person in the contemporary world. After thinking about these things, try to make associations between some of these words that are definitive of yourself, and words that define particular utilitarian objects. What utilitarian objects best defines you? Try to think about what a specific utilitarian object is meant for, what job does it perform? For example, a light bulb is meant for illuminating darkness, whereas a recliner chair is meant for relaxation and comfort, and a hammer is meant for repair, but has a forceful element to it. What object would you be, and what can you make it out of? To clarify, if you select a toaster as your utilitarian object, you may make a toaster out of other found objects, or you can make something out of a toaster, or use multiple toasters to make something larger in scale. Really try to think about the objects that you are using that compose your work. Remember every visual element that you use should contribute to the concept of your work. Another example, what would be different if a toaster we composed of forks and knives versus if it were composed of candy? What can the objects that are used help tell us about the content of the work?
Due Dates: Wednesday December 9, 2009, group crit will be from 11:30 am to 2 pm (this is not a typo)
Helping Terms:
Self Portrait: a portrait of oneself done by oneself. This does not have to be a literal representation of your body.
Found Objects/Assemblage: a sculptural technique of organizing or composing into a unified whole a group of unrelated and often fragmentary or discarded objects. How can you use found objects to represent yourself?
Utilitarian: pertaining to or consisting in utility, having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.
Minimum Requirements:
Must create an assemblage object out of found objects (this means used objects, not new ones, things may be purchased at second hand stores).
This a SELF PORTRAIT.
There is no size limit.
The concept is to figure out how to associate yourself with a UTILITARIAN OBJECT.
Must use sketchbook and or maquettes to sketch/plan out ideas.
Must write a brief 1 paragraph Artist Statement
Artist Statement:
In a paragraph, write a statement about the work that you have created. This is something that another person may read when viewing your piece. This may explain what your piece is about, what you are referencing, etc. This is to be typed; single spaced, and should be on a separate sheet from your self evaluation.
Things to think about: What defines you as a human being? Your personality? Your actions? Your job? Your influences? What makes you who you are as a functioning person in the contemporary world. After thinking about these things, try to make associations between some of these words that are definitive of yourself, and words that define particular utilitarian objects. What utilitarian objects best defines you? Try to think about what a specific utilitarian object is meant for, what job does it perform? For example, a light bulb is meant for illuminating darkness, whereas a recliner chair is meant for relaxation and comfort, and a hammer is meant for repair, but has a forceful element to it. What object would you be, and what can you make it out of? To clarify, if you select a toaster as your utilitarian object, you may make a toaster out of other found objects, or you can make something out of a toaster, or use multiple toasters to make something larger in scale. Really try to think about the objects that you are using that compose your work. Remember every visual element that you use should contribute to the concept of your work. Another example, what would be different if a toaster we composed of forks and knives versus if it were composed of candy? What can the objects that are used help tell us about the content of the work?
Due Dates: Wednesday December 9, 2009, group crit will be from 11:30 am to 2 pm (this is not a typo)
Helping Terms:
Self Portrait: a portrait of oneself done by oneself. This does not have to be a literal representation of your body.
Found Objects/Assemblage: a sculptural technique of organizing or composing into a unified whole a group of unrelated and often fragmentary or discarded objects. How can you use found objects to represent yourself?
Utilitarian: pertaining to or consisting in utility, having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.
Minimum Requirements:
Must create an assemblage object out of found objects (this means used objects, not new ones, things may be purchased at second hand stores).
This a SELF PORTRAIT.
There is no size limit.
The concept is to figure out how to associate yourself with a UTILITARIAN OBJECT.
Must use sketchbook and or maquettes to sketch/plan out ideas.
Must write a brief 1 paragraph Artist Statement
Artist Statement:
In a paragraph, write a statement about the work that you have created. This is something that another person may read when viewing your piece. This may explain what your piece is about, what you are referencing, etc. This is to be typed; single spaced, and should be on a separate sheet from your self evaluation.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
New project 4 due date
I am pushing the due date for this project back one week to the 17th. I will also be posting information on the final on the website shortly.
Paper mache
Materials Needed:
* Water
* Flour
Instructions:
To make this paper mache paste, simply mix together 1 part flour to 2 parts water. You will want it to be almost but not quite the consistency of thick glue, but you also want it to be too runny. Like pancake batter is one idea. Or waffle batter if you must. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to remove any lumps.
Mix 3 cups water with 2 1/2 cups flour. I usually use my hand for mixing because it is easy to smoosh the chunks of flour and get them mixed in to a nice thick soup. Warm water is more enjoyable, but optional. I'm sure that this paste would work in both a very thin and a very thick consistency, but I prefer a particular viscosity.
Next you will need some strips of newspaper. Hold a section of newspaper (up to 10 pages) and tear off 2-inch strips.
Take two fingers and squeegie the extra ink off. Lay the strip across your structure.This will scrape off most of the paste and spread it around. Ideally, when you get to the bottom of the strip, it will be completely wet, with just a thin layer of paste covering the whole thing.
It might not have much "stick" at this stage, especially if you are working with chicken wire. I recommend starting at the top of your armature, where gravity won't pull it off. Once the strip is on the structure, smooth it down flat with your hands.
Add layers of paper in angles covering the whole form, watch for holes in the material.
Could take anywhere from 3 to 12 hours to dry. Then paint if needed.
Protect your work area
Blah, blah, blah, lay down plastic or an old sheet, or work outside. The flour and water mixture really will dry like glue, and be impossible to remove from your clothes, shoes, tv remote and floor.
* Water
* Flour
Instructions:
To make this paper mache paste, simply mix together 1 part flour to 2 parts water. You will want it to be almost but not quite the consistency of thick glue, but you also want it to be too runny. Like pancake batter is one idea. Or waffle batter if you must. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to remove any lumps.
Mix 3 cups water with 2 1/2 cups flour. I usually use my hand for mixing because it is easy to smoosh the chunks of flour and get them mixed in to a nice thick soup. Warm water is more enjoyable, but optional. I'm sure that this paste would work in both a very thin and a very thick consistency, but I prefer a particular viscosity.
Next you will need some strips of newspaper. Hold a section of newspaper (up to 10 pages) and tear off 2-inch strips.
Take two fingers and squeegie the extra ink off. Lay the strip across your structure.This will scrape off most of the paste and spread it around. Ideally, when you get to the bottom of the strip, it will be completely wet, with just a thin layer of paste covering the whole thing.
It might not have much "stick" at this stage, especially if you are working with chicken wire. I recommend starting at the top of your armature, where gravity won't pull it off. Once the strip is on the structure, smooth it down flat with your hands.
Add layers of paper in angles covering the whole form, watch for holes in the material.
Could take anywhere from 3 to 12 hours to dry. Then paint if needed.
Protect your work area
Blah, blah, blah, lay down plastic or an old sheet, or work outside. The flour and water mixture really will dry like glue, and be impossible to remove from your clothes, shoes, tv remote and floor.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Project 4: Composing With Decomposables
Description: Using wire as your base material, you will create an object that has volume, and which addressed the concept of a decomposable element. The decomposable element can be tangible (having an actual presence in your sculpture) or it can be referenced (alluded to, but not actually a physical component of your work). You may, but are not required to, use paper mache as a technique when creating your object.
Things to think about: This project is meant to get you thinking about the things that surround us in our lives (culture, society, school, town, state, nation, planet etc) that are decomposable – something that breaks down over time. Think outside of the box…how can you apply this concept to non-traditional decomposable items? Do you want to have an object that viewers can see through, or one that is entirely closed off? Do you want to fill your volume with something? Do you want to cover your object with something? Should your object hang from a ceiling, wall, sit on a pedestal, or on the floor? Should your project be lit a certain way? Concentrate and focus your work around a conscious use of the terms and concepts we have learned in class up to this point. Be very aware of the unity and variety that you are creating. Think about how surface treatment such as color and texture can effect your work.
Due Dates:
Sketches and idea Due: Tuesday 10/29/09
Project Due Tuesday: 11/17/09
Materials: (* notes materials provided by the Fine Art Department)
Some Balling wire*
Some Chicken wire*
Newspaper and paste for paper mache*
Needle nose Pliers – BUY YOUR OWN PAIR!
Hanging / Installation materials
Work Gloves
Various materials for color (spraypaint, stains, etc.)
Various extra materials that you may want to include.
Minimum Requirements:
Must create an object out of wire.
Your object must have volume.
Your object must incorporate the concept of a decomposable element (physically present or alluded to).
You must address how you want to display and light your piece (is it better in a specific light?)
Must use sketchbook and or maquettes to sketch/plan out ideas.
Must write a brief 1 paragraph Artist Statement
Artist Research and Sketches/maquettes are due: Tuesday 10/29/09.
Project must be completed by Tuesday 11/17/09. Critique will be at the beginning of class.
Things to think about: This project is meant to get you thinking about the things that surround us in our lives (culture, society, school, town, state, nation, planet etc) that are decomposable – something that breaks down over time. Think outside of the box…how can you apply this concept to non-traditional decomposable items? Do you want to have an object that viewers can see through, or one that is entirely closed off? Do you want to fill your volume with something? Do you want to cover your object with something? Should your object hang from a ceiling, wall, sit on a pedestal, or on the floor? Should your project be lit a certain way? Concentrate and focus your work around a conscious use of the terms and concepts we have learned in class up to this point. Be very aware of the unity and variety that you are creating. Think about how surface treatment such as color and texture can effect your work.
Due Dates:
Sketches and idea Due: Tuesday 10/29/09
Project Due Tuesday: 11/17/09
Materials: (* notes materials provided by the Fine Art Department)
Some Balling wire*
Some Chicken wire*
Newspaper and paste for paper mache*
Needle nose Pliers – BUY YOUR OWN PAIR!
Hanging / Installation materials
Work Gloves
Various materials for color (spraypaint, stains, etc.)
Various extra materials that you may want to include.
Minimum Requirements:
Must create an object out of wire.
Your object must have volume.
Your object must incorporate the concept of a decomposable element (physically present or alluded to).
You must address how you want to display and light your piece (is it better in a specific light?)
Must use sketchbook and or maquettes to sketch/plan out ideas.
Must write a brief 1 paragraph Artist Statement
Artist Research and Sketches/maquettes are due: Tuesday 10/29/09.
Project must be completed by Tuesday 11/17/09. Critique will be at the beginning of class.
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