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Overview
Overview
Goal
Goal
Students will design and construct a non-objective abstract relief sculpture or 3D sculpture. Using a limited color palette and a variety of shapes or forms in different sizes. Students will explore composition, balance, and spatial relationships. This project emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and an understanding of relief and 3D design principles.
Materials
Materials
Materials: Scissors, Paper, Glue Bottles, Glue Sticks, Construction Paper
Backboard: Poster Board
Step 1: What are the Principles of Art?
Step 1: What are the Principles of Art?
Go through the Principles of Art Presentation and take notes in your sketchbook.
Make a copy of this assignment by clicking HERE
Find an artwork that exemplifies each Principle of Art. Save an image of the artwork onto your iPad and insert it into the presentation. When finished, submit the link to this slide presentation in Canvas.
Step 2: What is non-objective abstraction?
Step 2: What is non-objective abstraction?
Take notes in your sketchbook:
Non-objective abstraction is a style of art that does not represent or depict recognizable objects, people, or scenes from the real world. Instead, it focuses on the elements of art—such as line, shape, color, texture, and form—to create compositions that are purely based on visual expression.
Key Characteristics of Non-Objective Abstraction:
Key Characteristics of Non-Objective Abstraction:
No recognizable subject matter (unlike representational or even abstracted figurative art).
Emphasis on formal elements (color, composition, movement, balance, etc.).
Often created through spontaneous or planned compositions that explore emotions, concepts, or purely aesthetic values.
Influenced by early 20th-century movements like Suprematism (Malevich), De Stijl (Mondrian), and Abstract Expressionism (Pollock, Rothko).
A French artist who creates colorful artworks with mixed media materials. Her relief sculptures look more than appealing to the eye.
Click on the link to look at examples of her work. Or do research to learn more about her. In your sketchbook answer the following questions:
How does Mademoiselle Maurice use color and geometric shapes to create visual impact in her relief sculptures?
What role does the placement of folded paper and mixed media elements play in creating depth and movement in her work?
What principles of art do you notice? Explain where you see them.
Step 4: Develop and Plan an Idea
Step 4: Develop and Plan an Idea
With your partner, decide whether to create a relief sculpture (which hangs on the wall) or a 3D sculpture (which sits on a table). Review the examples at the bottom of this page.
Sketch your idea in your sketchbook; only one person needs to create the sketch.
Choose color limitations (monochrome, multicolor, or black & white). You may choose to use one color, various colors, or no color at all (black and white)
Discuss how you will apply the Principles of Art to enhance the visual interest of your artwork.
What shapes or forms will you use to construct your paper sculpture?
Cut out your selected shapes or forms in various sizes.
Experiment with arrangements before gluing the pieces down. You will also need to select a color for your backboard, which will be made from the poster board located in the poster board drawer. Start assembling your sculpture using glue or other fastening techniques.
Continue assembling it, focusing on balance, depth, and the interaction of elements.
Step 5: Class Critique
Step 5: Class Critique
Students will put out their sculptures for everyone to see. Conduct a gallery walk where students walk around and look at the work.
Discuss these questions as a class:
Composition
How does an artist guide the viewer’s eye through a composition, and why is that important?
Can a composition be “too balanced” or “too perfect”? What might that look like, and how does it affect the viewer?
Balance
What’s the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, and how do they create different feelings in art?
Can imbalance in a composition ever make the artwork more dynamic or powerful? Why or why not?
Teamwork
What makes a team successful when creating something together? What are some roles people naturally take on in a group?
How can a team ensure the final result reflects everyone’s ideas while still feeling unified and cohesive?
Examples:
Examples:
Origami
Origami
Colorful Examples
Colorful Examples
Black & White Examples
Black & White Examples
Paper Building/Folding Techniques
Paper Building/Folding Techniques
Step 6: Work on Art Portfolio
Step 6: Work on Art Portfolio
Reference the art portfolio requirements and complete your portfolio.
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
Answer ALL of the following questions by copying and pasting them into your portfolio:
How did your choice of shape, form, and arrangement contribute to the overall composition and visual impact of your sculpture?
If you could change one aspect of your sculpture, what would it be and why?
Artist Statement Questions
Artist Statement Questions
Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:
What did you make?
Why did you make it?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?
Your artist statement can include:
Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)
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