Nature's Elements

Mother Nature's Panty Hose

Objectives:

Students will learn about the abstract sculptures of the 1930s - 1940s
Students will work with nature as inspiration
Students will work with a new material - nylon
Students will work with creating a sculpture base

Vocabulary:

Abstract sculpture uses nature, not as subject matter to be represented, but as a source of formal ideas. For sculptors who work in this way, the forms that are observed in nature serve as a starting point for a kind of creative play, the end products of which may bear little or no resemblance to their original source.

Non Objective sculpture is a more completely non representational form that does not even have a starting point in nature.

Examples of Abstract Sculpture

Can you think of some elements from nature that may be the basis for these pieces?

🔹 Water 🔹Waves

🔹Wind 🔹Clouds

🔹Fire 🔹Lava

🔹Crystals 🔹Rocks

🔹Flowers 🔹Vines

🔹Plants 🔹Leaves

🔹Rain 🔹Rivers

🔹Hills 🔹Shells

Historical Artist Examples

Henry Moore

Henry Moore, Stringed Figure 1938, cast 1960

Henry Moore | Stringed Mother and Child

Henry Moore, Stringed Figure: Bowl 1938

Orpheus (Maquette 2) (Version II)', Dame Barbara Hepworth, 1956, edition 1959

Barbara Hepworth

Barbara Hepworth, Winged Figure I

Project Steps

Step 1: Research

Study Abstract Sculptures

Jean Arp and Henry Moore

Abstract Sculpture

African Abstract Sculpture

Abstract African Sculpture

Charles Westgarth

Barbara Hepworth

Check out Nature's Patterns

Patterns found in Nature

Ocean Life Patterns

Plant Life Patterns

Nature's Textures

Colors Found in Nature

Step 2: Visual Development

For this project, you will find something in nature to use as an inspiration for an abstract sculpture. Remember, you are not trying to create a realistic shape. You only need to suggest or hint at your inspirational form. Begin to look for major shapes and lines within your image. Simplify it down to basic components. Eliminate fine details. Because you are stretching hose across the wire, you will naturally get a smooth organic shape. These will not have a lot of small, complex details.

(You will not be able to get the hose to dip in and out of some spaces. As it stretches, it will move across the tops of the wire. You may be able to force some detail by sewing the hose to the wire in several places.)

Sketch out your ideas for the Form -

Choose 1-2 "Nature Elements" you are excited to work with.
Draw 3 basic design ideas for your final sculpture based on your choices and inspiration.

Sketch out your ideas for the Finishing (Painting/Fibers)-

Once you know what your form will look like (mostly) and what nature elements you will use -

Brainstorm 3 ways you could express visually those elements (either separately or combined)

Draw out 3 circles or squares around 3" x 3" and create your 3 different plans for "finishing" your work (painting, etc...) You need to decide colors/patterns etc...

Student Examples

Materials:

A wooden block- this can be a scrap piece cut about 2 inches thick.
Wire. The gauge should be one that is heavy duty but still bendable.
Wire Cutters
Staple Gun
A piece of Nylon material (we use panty hose!)
Glue
Primer
Paint
Thread and needle

Step 3: Assembly

Using a hammer and a small nail, create a hole in your wood block. It should be fairly deep so that the sculpture doesn't fall over.
Gather a wire hanger and disassemble it. Straighten out the wire ends as best you can.
1. 1. - **Warning! Working with long pieces of wire is dangerous! You MUST use safety glasses and keep away from classmates until it is glued into your wood block!
Place the wire end(s) into the hole(s). You should try for a tight fit. Add a drop of hot glue to help hold it in place.
Now bend the wire flush with your wood block and staple the wire down to the wood. This will ensure a super tight hold that will not wiggle out while you work with the wire.
Now you will manipulate the wire to create your sculpture's form.
1. 1. - **Think about natural forms you are inspired by, make sure you are referring to your sketchbook plans (your design may not match exactly, since you should be working WITH the materials).
When you are happy with your sculpture's form, cover it will a piece of nylon (knee high panty hose).
1. 1. - Tightly stretch the hose over both the wire and the base. Make sure you manipulate and work with the material to make the whole thing tight, without pockets of extra materials.
    - You can still manipulate the wire to some degree, so if you need to pull it into an area to fill the nylon...do so now. You will not be able to adjust anything once you prime the nylon.
    - Attach the hose to the bottom of the base with the stapler, if needed.

Step 4: Painting/Finishing

Prime the hose with a Gesso/Glue mixture (Gesso is a mixture of plaster, paint and glue used to prime canvas for painting. The hose will soak up the plaster so it may take a little work to get the hose totally covered.
Draw on your designs using your design reference sheet for ideas. Several designs may be used in combination.
Paint your designs using acrylic paint.

Step 5: Enhancement

Below are some extra things you can add to your sculpture to take it to the next level:

Stitch in some designs with a needle and thread (or cross-stitch floss).
Use string to connect two seperate areas, similar to Hepworth and Moore

Step 6: Refinement

Check for any areas that show poor craftsmanship. Is the paint solid and clean? Does the design flow as you turn the sculpture? Remember that all the sides will be viewed. Ask 2 other people if they see anything that needs to be fixed or changed.

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