3D Breadth Assignment #1

Narrative Nature Sculpture

Areas of focus: variety/unity, balance, rhythm, movement, repetition, space, expressive development

Goal: The Narrative Nature Sculpture is about telling a story through your art. You will find inspiration in the things you observe in the natural world, and you’ll also use these natural materials to create a piece of 3-dimensional art. As you design and create this work, you’ll pay attention to things like creating variety / unity through the use of natural textures, achieving balance (both actual and visual), rhythm and movement through the repetition of forms, and the relationship of occupied and unoccupied space.

Process:

1. Idea development / research: Take a nature walk. What do you notice? In your sketchbook write down at least 20 things you notice. Now go back and look at this list. What stands out to you? Choose five items and write a little more about them. Why were you drawn to those things? How does it reflect something about you? Example: Noticed - rough bark on tree, Why - the multiple layers of wood forming an interested texture, Me - layers of bark represent the layers of my identity, with the outermost (visible to the world) layer taking less surface space than the inner, partially hidden layers - this could lead me to a piece about what you show vs what you conceal.

Questions to ask for the “Narrative Nature Sculpture”:

• What do I notice outdoors?
• Why am I drawn to certain natural materials?
• How do I relate to certain natural materials?
• How do certain natural materials represent me or aspects of my life or experience?

Also ask yourself how the elements of art can be used to help tell your story:

• What type of shape/forms (open vs closed, angular vs freeform, etc)?
• What type of textures (rough, smooth, fuzzy, spiky, slick, crinkly, etc)?
• What type of line (straight, winding, curvy, zig-zag, tapered, wiry, etc)?
• What type of color (bright, muted, natural, artificial, cool, warm, etc)?
• How can you manipulate the elements to tell your story by using design principles like repetition, rhythm, movement, balance, scale, emphasis, variety/unity, contrast?
1. Create multiple sketches to work out the composition. Consider some of the different forms a 3-dimensional piece can take: freestanding sculpture, relief sculpture, assemblage, installation. What form would best tell your story? With 3-d work, always take into consideration the view from each angle.
2. Determine the best way to work with your chosen natural materials. How can they be manipulated? How can they be affixed together? Do you need a support? How can you incorporate man-made materials, either as a support, or as a visually important part of the piece, in a thoughtful way?
3. You may incorporate man-made materials (plaster, wire, etc) as long as the natural materials still predominate
4. Work with your teacher once your media has been decided to establish an appropriate working size for this assignment.