Chris Jordan "Running the Numbers"

Take a look here for more images of Chris Jordan's work.

Project 2 Student Work

Project 2 Confrontable Multiples

Description: Using plaster, you will carve a small sculpture which reflects a minor object or issue that you deal with on a daily basis. This can be something tangible or intangible. You will then create several “copies” of your original object, and install them into a public space in the fine arts building.

Due Date

Molds must be finished and installations installed on the afternoon of October 17, 1:30 pm sharp the critique will begin.

Things to think about: This project is meant to get you thinking about the minor details of your daily life, and your ability to make a large confrontational piece out of small components. What types of things do you engage in every day? Think about your habits. Think about all of the small things that you do each and every day (many of these things may be done unconsciously due to routine habit). Examples: brushing teeth, taking medication, tying shoes, sitting in chairs, blinking, breathing, eating, walking, etc. Think about the ways that you are using positive and negative space, unity and variety, grouping, containment, proximity, continuity, repetition, closure, balance, scale, proportion, emphasis, and rhythm. Are you using dominant and subordinate forms? How can you use color as an element? Do you want to use color, or leave the objects white?

Note: you may want to practice a bit with carving plaster before you carve the object that you will use for your multiples. Simple shapes will be easier to work with, and your objects will have a flat area (there are a few ways to work around this that I can show you).

Materials: (* notes materials provided by the Fine Art Department)
Plaster*
Some Plaster Tools*
Plastic Gloves
Shellac*
WD40*
Paint brush
DAP 100 percent Silicone (clear) - look for at ACE, true value, NOT SOLD AT WALMART - DO NOT BUY ANY OTHER KIND OR RISK YOUR MOLDS BREAKING
X-Acto Knife (for removing clay mold from plaster object).
Plastic trash bag
Carving materials, use something cheap, like screwdriver, spoon, potato peeler, knife

Minimum Requirements:
Must carve an original object out of plaster using subtractive methods.
Must have at least 8 “copies” of your object. If you feel that you need to make more, then do so.
Must Install your multiples into a public space in the fine arts building.
Must use sketchbook and or maquettes to sketch/plan out ideas.
Must write a brief 1 paragraph Artist Statement

Theo Jansen

Theo Jansen is the Dutch creator of what he calls "Kinetic Sculptures," where nature and technology meet. Essentially these sculptures are robots powered by the wind only.

click here for his website

Sketchbook assignment #1 (due next monday)

#1 (9/7 - 9/12) On a minimum of two sketchbook pages, collect images and information about an artist, architect, or designer that has work that is appropriately "robotic". Feel free to be creative about your interpretation of what robotic is. It can be mechanical, kinetic, or just something that seems to have a life of it's own.

Sketchbook Project

Throughout the semester, you will be assigned sketchbook assignments that will supplement the current assignment you are working on in class. The assignments will, in most cases, be assigned early on Monday, and will be due the following Monday, when another assignment is announced.

Your sketchbook will always be turned in with your projects, and will count towards your grade on the specific project. Sketchbooks that have content that suggests an active thinker and a dedicated student will receive full credit. Sketchbooks should always include sketches and writing that shows the process of your work.

List of Assignments

#1 (9/7 - 9/12) On a minimum of two sketchbook pages, collect images and information about an artist, architect, or designer that has work that is appropriately "robotic". Feel free to be creative about your interpretation of what robotic is. It can be mechanical, kinetic, or just something that seems to have a life of it's own.

Reminder: Bring robot building materials to class!

Don't be left without nothing to do!

Bring materials to work with, both hard and soft, chunky and thin, bring glues and tapes, bring wires and string....just bring enough to work...make sure to think outside of the box of what a robot is and what it could be. Aside from address the specific attributes chosen for you, the project is very open ended, how do you make the attributes work with your idea?